Top-15 middleweights, Dricus du Plessis doubts Alex Poatan's long reign in the category

Alex Poatán won the middleweight belt in UFC 281. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Even shocking the world by hitting Israel adesanya No. UFC 281, which took place last November, there are still those who believe that Alex Poatán will not have a long reign in the middleweight division (up to 83,9kg). In an interview with 'MMA Fighting', the South African Dricus Du Plessis stated that the Brazilian will not hold the belt for long and mentioned a possible opponent to defeat him.

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“I don’t think Alex Pereira will be champion for a long time. Alex is an incredible fighter, but I think Robert whittaker wins him. Honestly, I think Whittaker can beat Alex. He's a big guy. I saw him again on Saturday (in UFC 282) He's big for his weight, but I think his style, which is more of a fixed-foot style, he punches like a truck, he kicks hard and his striking is really good. I just think when it comes to mixed martial arts as a whole, I think Robert whittaker he has the style to beat Alex Pereira”, said Dricus.

Fourteenth in the middleweight rankings, Du Plessis arrived in Ultimate in 2021 and won his four commitments in the organization, three of them by knockout or submission. The South African has a record in the sport of 18 triumphs and two setbacks.