UFC 300 Rumor: Israel Adesanya to Fight Dricus Du Plessis

By Ali Hammad February 16, 2024 04:51

Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC

The highly anticipated UFC 300, scheduled for April 13 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, has been the subject of numerous rumors regarding its main event lineup. One of the potential matchups being considered is a middleweight title fight between Israel Adesanya and reigning champion Dricus Du Plessis. However, it's essential to note that as of now, no official agreement or confirmation has been made regarding this matchup.

Potential Main Event Fights for UFC 300

The card for UFC 300 is still without a main event, and several options are reportedly being considered, including a middleweight title fight between Israel Adesanya and Dricus Du Plessis. Other potential main event fights include a welterweight title fight between Leon Edwards and Belal Muhammad. The possibility of Khamzat Chimaev challenging for either title was also under consideration, although he stated that he won't be available for the card due to the timing conflicting with the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

UFC 300 Main Event Lineup

As of now, the only confirmed fights for UFC 300 include a strawweight championship fight between Zhang Weili and Yan Xiaonan and a BMF title fight between Justin Gaethje and Max Holloway. Additionally, several other fights have been announced, including Charles Oliveira vs. Arman Tsarukyan, Kayla Harrison vs. Holly Holm, and Jiri Prochazka vs. Aleksandar Rakic, among others.

Speculations and Reactions

Speculations and reactions from fans and MMA enthusiasts have added to the excitement and anticipation surrounding the event. There have been various opinions and discussions among fans about the potential matchups for the main event, with some expressing doubts about the likelihood of certain fighters participating in UFC 300. While there is no official announcement, fans have been eagerly discussing the possibilities and expressing their preferences for the main event lineup.

Dricus Du Plessis' Statement

Reigning UFC middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis has made statements indicating that his first title defense remains undetermined as he continues to deal with injuries sustained in his previous fight. He expressed that defending his title and ensuring his full recovery are his top priorities, emphasizing the significance of defending his belt over being part of a milestone event like UFC 300. Du Plessis also mentioned that while he prefers a matchup against Israel Adesanya for his first title defense, he is open to a rematch against Sean Strickland if there is demand for it.

Dana White's Comments and Challenges

UFC president Dana White has been vocal about the challenges of finalizing the main event for UFC 300. He has acknowledged the complexities of putting together a lineup for such a significant event and has highlighted the importance of delivering an extraordinary fight card. White has ruled out the possibility of Conor McGregor's return at UFC 300 and has stated that heavyweight champion Jon Jones is still sidelined due to injury recovery. The ongoing discussions and uncertainties surrounding the main event have contributed to the event's high level of anticipation among MMA fans.

The buildup to UFC 300 has been filled with rumors, speculations, and discussions regarding the potential main event matchups. While the possibility of a middleweight title fight between Israel Adesanya and Dricus Du Plessis has been a topic of interest, no official confirmation has been made. The anticipation for the event remains high, and MMA fans are eagerly awaiting the announcement of the final main event lineup for UFC 300