UFC middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis believes that defeating Israel Adesanya in their upcoming title fight will elevate him into the conversation of the greatest of all time (GOAT) in the middleweight division.
Speaking ahead of his first title defense at UFC 305 in Australia, Du Plessis emphasized the significance of this matchup in solidifying his legacy.
Du Plessis, who is undefeated in the UFC and recently secured the middleweight title with a decision victory over Sean Strickland, sees Adesanya as a pivotal benchmark.
In an interview with Fox West Texas, he expressed his long-held view of Adesanya as a measure of excellence in the sport.
“I’ve always looked at Israel Adesanya as the benchmark,” Du Plessis stated. “Now, ‘Izzy’ became a champion a long time ago, and I’ve looked at him and always knew this is where I need to be if I ever want to be the best in the world. This is the benchmark.”
Acknowledging Adesanya’s status as one of the greatest middleweights, Du Plessis is confident that a victory over him would propel him into similar recognition.
“This is where I take over as one of the greatest to ever do it. This is where my years of building and climbing that ladder are going to a point where I am now the guy that’s one of the greatest to ever do it,” he asserted.
Despite this, Du Plessis understands that to be truly considered the middleweight GOAT, he will need more than a single win against Adesanya.
The legacy of Anderson Silva, with his extended reign as champion, sets a high bar that Du Plessis acknowledges. However, he firmly believes that defeating Adesanya will set him on the right path towards that goal.
Du Plessis also addressed the underdog perception heading into the fight, acknowledging Adesanya’s skill and strategic prowess. He likened this bout to his previous fight against Robert Whittaker, where he was similarly counted out by many.
“He’s a very smart fighter,” Du Plessis noted. “He figures out his opponents, and he sets a lot of traps. He does it incredibly well. So, for me, this fight is just like how beating Robert Whittaker was. It’s a fight that people don’t think you’re going to win. It’s a hard fight.”
For Du Plessis, this fight represents more than just defending his title; it is an opportunity to prove his worth and secure his place among the greats.
“I’m fighting against arguably one of the greatest middleweights ever, and I have to go out there and prove that I am that guy. That’s what this fight is going to mean to me. It’s going to mean I told you I belong here. This fight is going to mean that Dricus Du Plessis is now in the conversation of being one of the greatest middleweights ever,” he declared.
With a professional record of 21-2 and notable victories over fighters like Robert Whittaker, Darren Till, Derek Brunson, and Brad Tavares, Du Plessis is determined to cement his legacy with a win against Adesanya at UFC 305.
