Regardless of being potential rivals, Dricus Du Plessis heaped reward on fellow UFC champion Alex Pereira.
Du Plessis (22-2 MMA, 8-0 UFC) defends his middleweight title towards Sean Strickland (29-6 MMA, 16-6 UFC) in a rematch, which headlines Saturday’s UFC 312 occasion at Qudos Financial institution Enviornment in Sydney. The primary card streams on ESPN+ pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN2 and ESPN+.
Gentle heavyweight champion Pereira and Du Plessis expressed curiosity in combating one another, with Pereira even keen to drop again right down to middleweight. Whether or not or not they ever battle, Du Plessis couldn’t assist however laud Pereira for his achievements.
“I believe he is without doubt one of the best fight athletes to ever dwell,” Du Plessis informed Mark Bouris. “He is an outstanding athlete. To go in a brief time frame from a distinct sport and never only a completely different sport, kickboxing, which isn’t an excellent base for MMA. It helps, but when that’s the one factor you realize, not an excellent base in case you’re going to go up towards these wrestling guys. He got here in and simply went by means of everybody after being one of many best K1 kickboxers to ever dwell.
“I imply, a number of titles on the highest stage, is available in a brief time frame and have become middleweight champion, goes to mild heavyweight, turns into champion, and being one of many largest names, like all the time able to battle. I’ve the world’s respect for him as a fighter, as an individual even, I believe. We’re rivals, however I’ve the utmost respect for what he’s achieved within the sport, and he’s really one of many GOATS to ever – not do MMA or within the UFC, in fight sports activities. I believe most likely probably the most achieved fight sports activities athlete the world’s ever seen.”
Pereira shall be in Strickland’s nook for the battle. Du Plessis was requested what his message to “Poatan” is.
“How’s it going to really feel to be in Sean Strickland’s nook shedding once more?” Du Plessis requested. “In the future once we battle, he’ll be zero and a pair of.”
For extra on the cardboard, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion hub for UFC 312.
You should definitely go to the MMA Junkie Instagram web page and YouTube channel to debate this and extra content material with followers of blended martial arts.
