Dricus Du Plessis is now not involved in a battle with Alex Pereira.
Pereira had been linked to tackle UFC middleweight champion Du Plessis or Jon Jones if he received previous Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313.
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Nonetheless, the Brazilian fan-favourite suffered a decent unanimous determination defeat, subsequently shedding his 205lb strap to the Russian within the course of.
‘Poatan’ has already received a UFC title within the division at the moment dominated by Du Plessis, however had the choice to maneuver again all the way down to battle the South African if defeated Ankalaev.
Nonetheless, Pereira was more likely to maneuver as much as the heavyweight division in an try and grow to be the UFC’s first-ever three-weight champion.
His potential mega-fight with Jones is now off the playing cards too, with the latter anticipated to unify the heavyweight titles in opposition to Briton Tom Aspinall this 12 months.
Each Pereira and Ankalaev have already seemingly agreed to a rematch after UFC CEO Dana White mentioned that was ‘in all probability’ the most probably possibility.
Pereira is arguably essentially the most feared fighter within the UFC, however Du Plessis believes that is now not a case and cited his ‘lack of aura’ for not eager to battle him anymore.
“Thanks, Ankalaev, for taking the most important payday of my life,” ‘Stillknocks’ mentioned on Jackson O’Doherty’s YouTube channel.
“It’s nothing private.”
The 31-year-old then asserted that Pereira’s buzz he beforehand had earlier than his UFC 313 encounter won’t ever be recaptured, even when he does win within the rematch.
“No (I’m not ),” Du Plessis added. “Aura gone.”
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Du Plessis received the 185lb belt after defeating Sean Strickland at UFC 297 in January 2024.
He then defended it in opposition to Israel Adesanya seven months later, earlier than beating Strickland once more in the principle occasion UFC 313 final month.
‘Stillknocks’ is anticipated to defend his belt in opposition to No.3 ranked middleweight Khamzat Chimaev in his subsequent battle sooner or later this 12 months.
As for Pereira, he has asserted followers that he’ll ‘be again’ after shedding his title to Ankalaev.
“That’s it everybody. Some marks, however I’m good,” Pereira mentioned on social media within the speedy aftermath of his loss.
“[I’m] gonna relaxation a bit. I’ll be again like I’ve at all times carried out. This has already occurred, however I’m good.
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“I’m grateful for all of your assist, for all of your love [and] at all times supporting me.
“I’m receiving so many messages of nice encouragement. I’m right here with my individuals: my household, my staff, my kids.
“Everybody’s right here. Everybody’s right here with me. I’m gonna have some pizza. That’s that, life continues.
“[I’m] gonna make some changes for the rematch and I’ll be again significantly better. You possibly can rely on it.
“All good everybody. By no means quit in your goals. Chama.”
Talking after the UFC 313 Las Vegas card, UFC CEO White mentioned that he scored the bout to Ankalaev and thinks Pereira will ‘in all probability’ get a right away rematch.
“I anticipated much more capturing. I anticipated much more exchanges,” White informed the media at UFC 313.
“In all probability,” he responded when requested if MMA followers can count on a rematch.
The place to purchase UFC London tickets
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