Dricus Du Plessis may not get another shot at facing Israel Adesanya.
That is according to his coach Eugene Bareman. Du Plessis was in line to face Adesanya following his win over Robert Whittaker at UFC 290.
However, the quick turnaround meant Du Plessis was not ready to make it in time for a fight on September 9th, 2023, in Sydney. As a result, Sean Strickland stepped in.
With that being said, Bareman could not guarantee a fight with Du Plessis moving forward.
Israel Adesanya's coach says Dricus Du Plessis not guaranteed next title shot: 'He had it, and he let it slip' https://t.co/KwUqjUqy3P pic.twitter.com/oOBY2y5ozo
— Bahia Fightwear (@bahiafightwear) August 11, 2023
“It is what it is. He didn’t want to push through his injury. It doesn’t matter to me. That’s something to do with him and his team, and he has to go back and fight someone else. The problem is, if you don’t step up and take fights, you go into the pool. That’s a fact. Nothing in this sport is solid until there’s something signed on the dotted line. yeah, it’s been a bad injury. So what? You’ve taken your shot for granted. You think you’re going to get it again,” Bareman
Despite this being the case, the social media response suggested that Adesanya was looking to avoid a peak Du Plessis.
After all, it would have made sense to face a fully-fit fighter to avoid any excuses.
Social Media Reaction
he's the #1 contender 💀
— 𝘢𝘧𝘧𝘦💍 (@affewrld) August 11, 2023
Interesting how the idea is to fight one of the best fighters in the world injured. Shouldnt Izzy want to fight him at 100%?
— Victor Damone Jr. (@neutrallibcon) August 11, 2023
I feel like Izzy wanted to rush Dricus into taking the title fight. Seems suspicious to me
— Matt (@Mstewart1991) August 11, 2023