With Dricus Du Plessis defending his middleweight title at UFC 305 last Saturday, the possibility of an event in Africa has become even more prominent, but the potential next title challenger has sharply criticized the idea.
Last Saturday at UFC 305, Dricus Du Plessis was able to defend his title against former champion Israel Adesanya by forcing “The Last Stylebender” to submit in the fourth round after four hard-fought rounds.
Ahead of the event, UFC general manager Dana White hinted that he would have “Stillknocks” fight next in his home country of South Africa if he defended his title, having already revealed that Sean Strickland would be next in line for the title.
Sean Strickland criticizes the idea of a title fight in Africa
Although former champion Robert Whittaker will face undefeated Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 308 in October, White has already stated that Strickland will be given the next title shot despite his only victory over Paulo Costa since losing the title in February.
Therefore, “Tarzan” kept a close eye on the main event of UFC 305 last Saturday, after already sharing the cage with Du Plessis and Adesanya.
“Time for war, Dutch…” Strickland posted on X after Du Plessis’ victory.
When the former champion was then asked where and when he expected the rematch to take place, he sharply criticized the idea of the UFC hosting its inaugural event in Africa.
“Man, Vegas… I travel all the time. Let me fight in my country… Unless you want me to fix South Africa. We can go to Africa and fight in front of a bunch of white people, lmao,” Strickland began.
“They don’t want me there, and neither do I. Highest unemployment rate in the world. Third highest crime rate in the world. It’s considered the most unequal place in the world. It’s racist, unequal, there’s a small white, rich minority and a poor black minority. Las Vegas,” Strickland claimed.
Although Strickland clearly did not want to fight in Africa, UFC CEO Dave Shaw revealed after the event that there would “definitely” be an event in Africa in 2025, likely with the South African champion as the headliner.
Dricus Du Plessis believes Sean Strickland does not deserve a title rematch
Although Dana White has claimed that Strickland will likely be next, the champion may have something to say about that, as he has admitted that he doesn’t think Strickland deserves the next title shot.
“Does (Strickland) want to cry again?” Du Plessis asked at the post-fight press conference at UFC 305, referring to the fact that he made Strickland cry in the lead-up to their first fight.
“South Africa is different. We saw that tonight, like I said, it’s a jungle out there. Sean Strickland, the way he goes about things, yeah, I hope he makes it to the fight.
“Robert Whittaker (would have deserved a title fight next) more. Robert Whittaker deserved the fight, I think he’s done. Whittaker beat Costa. Sean Strickland’s only saving grace is the fact that he made a decision with me, that’s all,” admitted Du Plessis.
Responding to Du Plessis’ comments, Strickland replied: “We’re going to fight in the land of the free… You’re not avoiding me, Dutchman… I know you’re going to try… That’s not going to happen. Dana White: ‘You’re next.’ We’re bringing him back to America and the belt stays in America!”
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