Du Plessis determined to stop Usman's title ambitions
Du Plessis respects Usman's legacy but is determined to stop his path toward two-division UFC glory.
Former UFC middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis will face former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman on July 18. For both fighters, this event is crucial in terms of future title opportunities in their careers.
Kamaru Usman had originally planned to reclaim his welterweight title against Islam Makhachev, then move up to middleweight and become a two-division champion. Those plans changed when the UFC decided to have Islam Makhachev face Ian Machado Garry. As a result, Kamaru Usman moved directly to the middleweight division and accepted the fight against Dricus Du Plessis.
Dricus Du Plessis understands the significance of this fight for Kamaru Usman and shows him respect, but he is also determined to win this fight.
“I expect him [Kamaru Usman] to come with that physicality like he always does. I’m the most physical guy in the division. I do know Kamaru is going to bring the best out of me. We have made sure that I’m the best I’ve ever been. The motivation is there for him to go win this fight, get a title fight, and ride off into the sunset with an amazing career, but I’m not going to let that happen.”
he said.
In addition, Dricus Du Plessis explains that the fight would be a huge motivator for him because he knows full well that Kamaru Usman will force him to perform at his best, and that’s exactly what he’s prepared for. He says himself that he’s more prepared for this fight than ever before, and that’s a good thing because this fight is also very important to him.
From a sporting perspective, we’re likely in for a bout that could be dominated by wrestling. If Kamaru Usman can land his takedowns and control the fight on the ground, it will be tough for Dricus Du Plessis. For him, the key is to force Kamaru Usman to keep the fight standing, because that’s where he’ll be able to capitalize on his strengths.
So for both fighters, winning this bout is absolutely essential to position themselves well for a title shot. It remains to be seen who will come out on top in the end and whether Dricus Du Plessis can execute his game plan. But this matchup is sure to be thrilling.
A very exciting matchup awaits us soon. Both fighters have skills that the other must absolutely neutralize. If they fail to do so, things could get dangerous right away. That’s why I’m still so unsure and can’t decide on a favorite yet. I just hope the expectations for this matchup are met, and that we’ll see an exciting fight.