UFC middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis is annoyed Alex Pereira lost to Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313.
Pereira was defending his light heavyweight belt and Du Plessis felt like had the Brazilian won, he could have gone up in weight and had a superfight. However, Pereira lost a decision, and the South African says that ruined any chances of them fighting and also cost him the biggest payday of his career.
“Thanks, Ankalaev, for taking the biggest payday of my life. It’s nothing personal. No, aura gone,” Du Plessis said on Jackson O’Doherty’s vlog on YouTube.
Observing the fight in real time, Du Plessis believed that Ankalaev was not frightened of Pereira’s power or striking, which contributed to his victory. The middleweight champion felt like Magomed Ankalaev was able to have success being on his front foot, which is a game plan he would have had, had he been given the chance to face Alex Pereira.
Despite losing the potential payday, Dricus Du Plessis says he has a ton of respect for Alex Pereira.
“That’s why I have so much respect for him. Coming into a sport, that he doesn’t know at his age (and having the success),” Du Plessis said.
Dricus Du Plessis, however, wasn’t surprised Magomed Ankalaev beat Alex Pereira at UFC 313.
Du Plessis said that Ankalaev’s strategy of staying ahead of the game and not being scared of Pereira’s strikes was sound. Du Plessis, however, found the battle difficult to watch and dull.
“Listen, look at what I said in the beginning. If you don’t fight Pereira, he can’t fight. Look at this, he’s waiting for something. He’s going to counterpunch him. So people pay money for this… He’s just waiting on that one. I’m going to low-kick you, how are you going to counter me if I don’t punch?… That was the worst fight to watch ever,” Du Plessis added.
Dricus Du Plessis is 23-2 as a pro and coming off a decision win over Sean Strickland to defend his belt for the second time.
SHARE
