Dricus Du Plessis just won a fight that should have given him a shot at the title. Unfortunately, he'll have to wait for it.
The UFC returns to Australia in September and champion Israel Adesanya couldn't pass up the opportunity. He's made a deal with Dana White to be there 100%. Dricus Du Plessis, who was named the new title challenger a few days ago after his win over Robert Whittaker, could not guarantee his participation.
"Real champions don't choose when and how they fight. Real champions go and do. Even I was injured in my last fight and did I make excuses? No, I stepped up!" gushed Adesanya in a video he uploaded on his social media. His speech suggested that he had received a message from an opponent that he was injured and would not be able to recover before September.
"A lot of fighters are always talking about how they're ready to face anyone, anytime, anywhere. No, nobody is ready. Only me and Alexander (Volkanovski) are. Because we are made of different dough," Adesanya continued.
"So, Dricus, do whatever you want. I will fight in September. You're out, so next in line. Sean Stricklad is in. Sean, show me how you can dance," added the man with the fighting nickname The Last Stylebender.
As always, there is no confirmation from the UFC. So if Dricus Du Plessis is definitely out for September and the champion isn't willing to wait, then some sort of replacement will come into consideration. Looking at the rankings, however, Jared Cannonier would make more sense.