Dricus Du Plessis knows what real risk looks like, and he believes Israel Adesanya is taking one.
Ahead of UFC Seattle, former middleweight champion Israel Adesanya will return to the Octagon to face hard-hitting contender Joe Pyfer. The matchup surprised many fans, especially given Adesanya’s recent skid and Pyfer’s No. 14 ranking at 185 pounds. But Dricus Du Plessis sees something different: courage.
Not long ago, Dricus Du Plessis and Adesanya were locked in one of the most heated rivalries in UFC middleweight history. Their bad blood boiled over before their showdown at UFC 305, where Du Plessis ultimately submitted Adesanya. Now, two years later, the tension has cooled and mutual respect has taken its place.
Speaking in a recent interview, Dricus Du Plessis gave his former rival credit for accepting such a dangerous fight.
“Just kudos to Adesanya for giving a guy like Pyfer a chance,” Dricus Du Plessis said. “He’s not close in the rankings, but it’s an exciting fight for the fans, and that just shows the quality of warrior he is. He’s putting his reputation on the line to fight an up-and-coming guy he doesn’t need to fight. He goes out there and says, ‘I want exciting fights,’ and this is exactly that.”
Adesanya hasn’t won since knocking out Alex Pereira at UFC 287 to reclaim the middleweight title. Since then, he has dropped three consecutive fights but remains ranked No. 6 in the division. A loss to Pyfer would be a major setback. A win could instantly shift the narrative.
Dricus Du Plessis understands the gamble. As a former champion himself, he knows that fighting down the rankings offers little reward and significant risk. That’s why his praise carries weight.
Meanwhile, Dricus Du Plessis is focused on his own comeback. He hasn’t fought since losing his title to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319, where Chimaev controlled him over five rounds to secure a unanimous decision victory. Du Plessis has targeted a summer return and appears eager to get back into the title picture.
“Feeling very sorry for whoever’s next,” Dricus Du Plessis wrote on Instagram. “Let’s sign a damn fight! #stillknocks #preparetobeamazed #illshowyouhowgreatiam”
If both men win their upcoming bouts, a rematch between Dricus Du Plessis and Adesanya would make perfect sense. Their first chapter delivered drama. A second could carry even higher stakes.
For now, Dricus Du Plessis is giving credit where it’s due. In a division stacked with elite talent, stepping into the fire, especially when you don’t have to, still earns respect.
