Dricus Du Plessis has already made his name in the UFC's middleweight (up to 83,9 kg) history, but he still has the dream of joining the select group of double Ultimate champions. In an interview with the 'Chicago Sports Network', the South African revealed that his long-term plan is to move up to the light heavyweight division (up to 93 kg).
"That's always been the goal, the long-term goal, to move up a weight class. I'm still young in my career, 31 years old. I still have a long way to go. I firmly believe that you need at least three title defenses before moving up a weight class. This will be my third," he said. Dricus Du Plessis.
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If you win Khamzat Shimaev In his next fight, Dricus will have met his own criteria of making at least three title defenses before switching weight classes. Still, the champion wants to go further: he intends to 'clean up' the middleweight division before seeking a new title.
“In my opinion, the division needs to be cleaned up before moving on to the next one. Middleweight is very exciting right now. There have been changes in the top 5. The top 5 has been pretty much the same for many years, and in the last year, we've had three changes. For example, Robert whittaker was outside the top 5 for the first time in eight years,” continued the South African.
The South African has faced practically all the athletes at the top of the category, except Nassourdine Imavov e Reinier DeRidderThe entry of two new names into the top five motivates him to stay at middleweight, as he sees the division as more active and interesting.
"I've already faced everyone in the top 5, except for the last one on the list. Now, we have two new names in the top 5, which means the division is coming to life. Otherwise, it wouldn't make sense for me to stay in it. But there are exciting fights happening, and I'm always up for new challengers. So, we'll see how things play out. But I'm definitely interested in moving up a weight class at some point in the near future," concluded Du Plessis.
Dricus Du Plessis silences critics and seeks to expand his legacy against the undefeated Chimaev at UFC 319
With an unorthodox style, Du Plessis was initially questioned about his ability to excel at the UFC's highest level. However, he earned respect by scoring a knockout. Robert whittaker, take the belt of Sean Strickland, finalize Israel adesanya and win “Tarzan” again.
With four consecutive victories, including triumphs over three former champions, Dricus Du Plessis has established himself as one of the greatest middleweight champions in history. On August 16, he will attempt to add to his legacy by facing the undefeated Khamzat Shimaev in the main event of UFC 319 in Chicago.
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