Dricus Du Plessis believes Israel Adesanya would be wise to withdraw from their upcoming UFC middleweight title fight.
South Africa's Du Plessis, the reigning middleweight champion, is set to defend his belt against the Nigerian-born New Zealander Adesanya in the main event of this weekend's UFC 305 card in Perth, Australia.
Ahead of the fight, Du Plessis has expressed doubt that Adesanya is as motivated to compete as he once was.
"I think [Adesanya's] fire might be there, but it’s just too small," Du Plessis told the New York Post. "My fire is overshadowing him. Maybe that’s why I don’t see the fire in him, is because of the fire in me. The fire burning inside of me is just overshadowing his.
"I’m hungry like I’ve never been before."
If Adesanya has indeed lost his competitive fire, Du Plessis believes it is in the Nigerian's best interest to pull out of the fight of their fight.
"If I was in his shoes right now, I would find a way to pull out of this fight, to be honest, because I’m coming," he said. "I’m feeling great. I’m feeling the best I’ve ever felt."
Adesanya, of course, seems to be in good health, and full of confidence, which means it's very unlikely he withdraws from Saturday's fight.
Injuries do happen, however, and if Adesanya were forced to pull out of the fight at the eleventh hour, it doesn't seem like Du Plessis would be too bothered — as long as a replacement opponent was called up.
"If he had to pull out of the fight right now, and somebody else had to step up, it wouldn’t be any different for me," Du Plessis said. "The magnitude of the fight is not determined by my opponent. It’s determined by how big of a moment it is."
Du Plessis won the UFC middleweight title with a decision win over Sean Strickland in January.
Adesanya, meanwhile, lost the title to Strickland by decision in a shock upset last year, marking the end of one of the greatest runs in middleweight history.
Based on their accomplishments, Du Plessis and Adesanya's fight would be massive under any circumstances, but it's all the more hyped because the pair also share a sizzling grudge that will hopefully be settled in the Octagon.
While it remains to be seen who comes out on top, Du Plessis is clearly confident that Adesanya's best days are in the rear-view mirror.
"He used to be the benchmark," he said. "I’m the benchmark now, that’s why I’m the champion."
