On the spot rematches are nothing new in Final Preventing Championship (UFC).
Though the previous two-time Middleweight champion, Israel Adesanya, isn’t getting into a rematch when he challenges the champion, Dricus du Plessis, at UFC 305, it will likely be an instantaneous title shot after a loss. Adesanya’s return will mark his first look since a unanimous resolution title defeat to Sean Strickland at UFC 293 in September 2023 (watch highlights).
Earlier than the Strickland battle, Adesanya (24-3) received again the title in his blended martial arts (MMA) rematch towards Alex Pereira (watch highlights) — his first instantaneous rematch in a title battle. Finally, du Plessis received’t be stunned if it occurs once more if he earns his first profitable title protection this weekend (Sat., Aug. 17, 2024).
“If you happen to misplaced the belt and needed to battle all the way in which again up then that takes dedication however getting a title shot after a loss each single time, that’s fascinating,” du Plessis informed The MMA Guru (h/t Bloody Elbow). “I’m assuming we’ll have a rematch after this.”
Whatever the end result, there may be anticipated to be a rematch … however not between du Plessis and Adesanya. UFC CEO, Dana White, revealed throughout battle week that the aforementioned former champion, Strickland, will await the winner of UFC 305’s essential occasion. Regardless of these claims from the boss, du Plessis doesn’t see how the undefeated 13-0 contender, Khamzat Chimaev, received’t be subsequent relying on the end result of his Robert Whittaker match up at UFC 308 on Oct. 26, 2024.
“It’s a really fascinating scenario at Middleweight proper now since you’re sitting with Strickland who beat [Paulo] Costa, however you then get [Robert] Whittaker who’s been at it, who beat Costa as properly. He additionally beat Costa earlier than Strickland in a way more entertaining battle, for positive.
“Let’s be trustworthy, if the Whittaker-Chimaev battle ends in a draw, Khamzat’s getting a title shot for positive, 100%,” he continued. “The UFC have been wanting to present Khamzat a title shot for years he simply wouldn’t take it. I’m rooting for Whittaker in that battle though I’d like to battle Khamzat.”
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