--- title: "Dricus Du Plessis: Unleashing Confidence and a Bold Claim on the Road to UFC 297" description: Dricus Du Plessis, the rising star in MMA, shares his confidence in potentially overpowering Israel Adesanya and his pursuit of dual-champion status. image: https://blog.millions.co/hubfs/Dricus%20Du%20Plessis-2.webp --- [![millions-logo-black](https://blog.millions.co/hubfs/2022/images/millions-logo-black.svg "millions-logo-black")](https://millions.co/) [![Logo](https://blog.millions.co/hubfs/2022/images/mobile-header-logo.svg "Logo")](https://millions.co/) [Login](https://millions.co) [Sign up](https://millions.co/?sign-up) - [Home](https://millions.co) - [Athletes](https://millions.co/athletes) - [Gyms](https://millions.co/gyms) - [Products](https://millions.co/merch) - [Merch](https://millions.co/merch) - [AMA](https://millions.co/amas) - [WatchStreams](https://millions.co/streams) - Company - [News](https://blog.millions.co/) - [About us](https://millions.co/about-us) - [Careers](https://careers.millions.co/) -   -   -   -   -   [Privacy policy](https://millions.co/privacy-policy) [Terms of service](https://millions.co/terms-of-service) ![](https://blog.millions.co/hubfs/Dricus%20Du%20Plessis-2.webp) # Dricus Du Plessis: Unleashing Confidence and a Bold Claim on the Road to UFC 297 ![](https://blog.millions.co/hubfs/Theme_2021/Blog/commnets.svg) 0 Comments ![](https://blog.millions.co/hubfs/Theme_2021/Blog/share.svg)Share - [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blog.millions.co/dricus-du-plessis-unleashing-confidence-and-a-bold-claim-on-the-road-to-ufc-297) - [Follow us on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.millions.co/dricus-du-plessis-unleashing-confidence-and-a-bold-claim-on-the-road-to-ufc-297) - [Follow us on Twitter](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://blog.millions.co/dricus-du-plessis-unleashing-confidence-and-a-bold-claim-on-the-road-to-ufc-297&text=Dricus%20Du%20Plessis:%20Unleashing%20Confidence%20and%20a%20Bold%20Claim%20on%20the%20Road%20to%20UFC%20297) December 4, 2023 In the realm of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Dricus Du Plessis emerges as a formidable force, backed not only by his impressive record but also by a confident mindset that envisions toppling some of the best in the game. As he gears up for UFC 297 and a title challenge against Sean Strickland, Du Plessis reflects on what could have been a showdown with former middleweight champion Israel Adesanya. ### **Confidence and Controversy: Du Plessis vs. Adesanya** In a recent revelation, Dricus Du Plessis expressed unwavering confidence in his abilities, suggesting that he would have "manhandled" Israel Adesanya if their paths had crossed. With Adesanya's hiatus from the sport, Du Plessis sees the missed opportunity as a dodge from a formidable opponent. “I know he has good takedown defense, but I don’t think people understand the difference between myself and Israel Adesanya," Du Plessis asserted. "If I would’ve grabbed him, it would’ve been a very long night." ### **Du Plessis' Dual-Champion Aspirations** Du Plessis, known for his pursuit of dual-champion status during his EFC days, now eyes a similar path in the UFC. His upcoming challenge against Sean Strickland is a pivotal step in this journey, and a victory could set the stage for even more significant matchups. “I would still love to fight Israel Adesanya – 100 percent,” Du Plessis revealed. “It would be my first choice as a defense, to fight Israel. It’ll be great. But I’m assuming Khamzat’s the guy they’re going to try and push, so that’ll be cool." ### **The Future Beyond Strickland: Aiming for the Top** While Du Plessis remains focused on his immediate goal – conquering Sean Strickland – his gaze extends to the future. The prospect of defending the middleweight belt against Adesanya looms large in his aspirations, setting the stage for potentially historic clashes that could shape the landscape of the division. As he envisions a future that includes a shot at double-champion status, Du Plessis acknowledges the challenges that lie ahead but remains undeterred. "I want to be in that 1 percent of the 1 percent," he declares, highlighting his ambition to etch his name among the elite in the sport. In conclusion, Dricus Du Plessis not only brings physical prowess to the octagon but a mindset that sets him apart. The potential clash with Israel Adesanya may be a missed chapter, but as the story unfolds, UFC 297 becomes the next canvas where Du Plessis aims to paint his legacy. Stay tuned for the action and drama as this dynamic fighter pursues greatness in the world of MMA. Source: [MMA Junkie](https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2023/12/ufc-news-dricus-du-plessis-opinion-confident-would-manhandle-israel-adesanya-become-double-champion) ## Comment ### TAGS [MMA](https://blog.millions.co/tag/mma) [UFC](https://blog.millions.co/tag/ufc) [Dricus du Plessis](https://blog.millions.co/tag/dricus-du-plessis) ## Related articles ##### [Dricus Du Plessis: Rising Through the Ranks in MMA and UFC Drama](https://blog.millions.co/dricus-du-plessis-rising-through-the-ranks-in-mma-and-ufc-drama) November 6, 2023 In an exclusive interview covered by the Mail & Guardian on October 19, Dricus Du Plessis, the... [Read More](https://blog.millions.co/dricus-du-plessis-rising-through-the-ranks-in-mma-and-ufc-drama) ##### [Wake Up, the dream dominated ufc st. louis!](https://blog.millions.co/wake-up-the-dream-is-fighting) May 14, 2024 [Chase Hooper](https://millions.co/chase-hooper-mma) delivered a stunning performance at UFC St. Louis, rocking the lightweight division... 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