Chris Weidman declares Dricus Du Plessis a “worthy champion” ahead of his first title defense against Israel Adesanya

Chris Weidman sees something special in Dricus Du Plessis. Why? Du Plessis is preparing for his first title defense against Israel Adesanya. Have you ever doubted a fighter with an unorthodox style? Weidman did too. But now he believes Du Plessis is a worthy champion.

What made him change his mind? Du Plessis’ resilience and unique approach. Will this fight prove his worth? Or will Adesanya reclaim his title? The excitement for UFC 305 is building.

Why Weidman thinks Du Plessis is a “worthy champion”

The main event of UFC 305 on August 17 at the RAC Arena in Perth promises to be a fireworks event. Dricus du Plessis (21-2 MMA, 7-0 UFC) will defend his title against Israel Adesanya (24-3 MMA, 13-3 UFC). This fight is generating excitement among fans, and former champion Chris Weidman is also excited. He admitted that there were initial doubts about Du Plessis, but his perspective has changed.

“Dricus Du Plessis, there were so many doubts about this guy because he has such an unorthodox style and looks tired most of the time, but he really proved that he is a worthy champion,” Weidman told Cageside Press.

Weidman highlighted the intriguing dynamics of this fight. “The upcoming fight against Adesanya, I’m really excited about it. You have a traditionally much more polished striker, really athletic and with great technique, against a guy who thrusts forward and puts his chin in the air. So it’s going to be interesting to see how that tangle works,” he said.

This fight is not just about skill, but also about style and strategy, as Dricus du Plessis prepares for a thrilling title defense against Israel Adesanya at UFC 305, scheduled to take place on August 17 at the RAC Arena in Perth.

ALSO READ: Dricus du Plessis promises chaos against Israel Adesanya at UFC 305: “I’m coming to finish you off”

Whittaker sees a blueprint for Du Plessis

Robert Whittaker, who has faced both Dricus du Plessis and Israel Adesanya in the Octagon, recently shared his insights with The Sporting News on the upcoming title fight at UFC 305. Whittaker’s perspective is especially valuable given his experience with both fighters.

“Stylistically, that matches Dricus du Plessis pretty well,” Whittaker noted. He pointed out the similarities in fighting style between Du Plessis and Sean Strickland, noting how effectively Strickland used his style against Adesanya. “I think the performance we saw in his last fight, that pressure he put on Sean Strickland, he’ll use to great effect against Adesanya, especially since we saw Strickland use the same thing in their fight against Adesanya.”

With a thoughtful nod, Whittaker added, “I’m leaning towards Dricus.” His prediction highlights a potential strategic advantage for Du Plessis, suggesting that the pressure Du Plessis is known to apply could be the key to overcoming Adesanya’s sophisticated techniques. According to Whittaker, this matchup could even go in Du Plessis’ favor.

Du Plessis has already said that the victory over Alex Pereira should have been Adesanya’s farewell gameWith the help of Chris Weidman and the fascinating prediction of Robert Whittaker, the stakes are higher than ever.

Will Du Plessis’ unorthodox style and relentless pressure be too much for Adesanya?