Du Plessis speaks out after UFC 319 and guarantees that the defeat will have consequences for future rivals

Dricus du Plessis after defeat to Khamzat Shimaev. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @dricusduplessis

Former middleweight champion (up to 83,9kg.) Dricus du Plessis, who left with his head held high and even had a beer after a tough defeat to Khamzat Shimaev No. UFC 319, finally spoke out about losing his title. Dominated by his rival for five rounds, the South African had no answer to the challenger's strategy and ended up succumbing in the grappling department.

On social media, Dricus avoided complaining about the fight scenario or his performance against Chimaev. With a positive and respectful attitude, the fighter congratulated his rival on his victory and sent a message to those who rooted for his defeat.

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"This defeat has awakened in me a desire that will result in an even greater attack than my original dominance—my return to glory and my pursuit of greatness will be unimaginable to the common mind. I have absolutely no excuse for my performance; I was defeated by a better fighter that night. Congratulations to my opponent, and thank you for the honor of sharing the octagon with you. And sincerely, thank you to all those who enjoyed seeing me fall, because I will return the favor, as I always have," Du Plessis declared on his official Instagram account.

Khamzat Shimaev dominated Dricus du Plessis No. UFC 319 (Photo: Instagram/UFC)

PUBLICITY:

Undefeated in the UFC until his fight against Chimaev, Du Plessis had been on a nine-fight winning streak since joining the UFC. Speaking after losing his title, the South African's coach assured that his rematch against the new champion will come, and that the scenario will be completely different.

Du Plessis has yet to comment on when he intends to return to the Octagon, despite a high average number of appearances in recent years. This was the athlete's third loss in his entire professional career.

Read the full statement published by Du Plessis

“It's been a little over a week now and I've spent some time with my family and friends, the people closest to me who will be with me regardless of the outcome.

I accept this defeat with open arms, because, believe me, as much as I hate losing, it's as much a part of life as it is a part of our game—and I believe it's necessary in my pursuit of greatness. "Without the bitter, the sweet wouldn't be so sweet."

Make no mistake, I'm not a good loser, because a good loser becomes a frequent loser. However, I am an avid learner of the arts and of life itself.

This defeat has awakened in me a desire that will result in an attack even greater than the original dominance—my return to glory and my quest for greatness will be unimaginable to the common mind.

I have absolutely no excuses for my performance; I was defeated by a better fighter that night. Congratulations to my opponent, and thank you for the honor of sharing the octagon with you.

Thank you for all the love and support from fans around the world and my sponsors, who have always played and will continue to play a key role in my success.

And sincerely, thank you to all those who enjoyed watching me fall, because I will return the favor, as I always have. I believe in the plan of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, for He knows what is best, and I can't wait to see what He has planned for me from now on.