Coach says he has a date and location for Dricus du Plessis' new UFC fight

Dricus Du Plessis is the UFC middleweight champion (Photo: Twitter/UFC News)

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After finishing Israel adesanya with a rear naked choke UFC 305, Dricus du Plessis is already planning his return to the octagon. At least that's what Morner Visser, the South African's head coach, says. In an interview with the American YouTube channel 'Submission Radio', the coach said that February is the month of his plan for the middleweight champion's next defense (up to 83,9 kg).

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“We’ve spoken to our agent. He speaks to the UFC. We’ve been up and down and yesterday I had a conversation with Dricus and I said to him, there’s only one thing that’s certain at this stage and that’s that we have to be ready to fight in Sydney in February,” Visser said.

Regarding the opponent, the coach rejected the possibility of a rematch between Du Plessis and Sean Strickland, and stated that he was interested in another opponent, who had also faced the champion.

“My opinion is Sean is overreacting, he had one win after Dricus and that was against (Paulo) Costa. Whittaker had two and I think he goes for number three now, so my honest opinion is next in line for us will be Whittaker in Sydney in February,” Visser admitted.

Former division champion Robbert Whittaker faces Khamzat Shimaev No. UFC 308, October 26. The winner will likely become the number one contender in the middleweight division (up to 83,9 kg).

Dricus du Plessis

Dricus du Plessis won the category belt in January of this year, by winning Sean Strickland by split decision, in a very balanced fight. Since the result, the fight has generated controversy and a rematch has been called for by thousands of fans. Before facing the American, Dricus knocked out Robbert Whittaker in the second round, in UFC 290. So far, this has been the Australian's latest setback.