Dana White Shades Dricus Du Plessis After Sean Strickland’s Title Win Against Israel Adesanya

Dana White is seemingly not pleased with Dricus Du Plessis avoiding a middleweight title shot against Israel Adesanya. The UFC frontman recently threw shade at the South African contender in the aftermath of Sean Strickland’s incredible title win over ‘The Last Stylebender’ and subtly implied that Du Plessis may be out of title contention for the time being. 

Dricus Du Plessis positioned himself as the next middleweight title contender after securing a massive upset win over Robert Whittaker. ‘Stillknocks’ defeated ‘The Reaper’ via second-round knockout at UFC 290. In the aftermath, Du Plessis and Adesanya shared an intense racially-charged face-off in the octagon. 

Given their rivalry and the South African’s statement victory over the former middleweight champion, it was an obvious matchup for the UFC to book. However, Du Plessis refused to fight on a two-month turnaround at UFC 293. It was later revealed that ‘Stillknocks’ suffered a foot injury and was forced to withdraw from his title bid. 

To save the Sydney pay-per-view event, Dana White quickly roped in Sean Strickland to face Israel Adesanya. Overcoming all the odds stacked against him, ‘Tarzan’ secured an incredible unanimous decision victory over Adesanya to be crowned the new 185-pound king.

Dana White later revealed that he intends to give Israel Adesanya an immediate rematch. Given the Nigerian-born Kiwi’s resume, it may be warranted as well. However, that leaves Dricus Du Plessis in a tough spot. While ‘Stillknocks’ was in line for a title shot, he’ll likely need another win to get back into title contention. 

At the UFC 293 post-fight presser, Dana White expressed his discontent with Du Plessis. The UFC president subtly shaded the South African by outlining how one must jump at every opportunity. He clearly addressed Du Plessis when he claimed that fighters must never turn down a championship fight.