Dricus Du Plessis is a tough man to store.
After a perfect 9-0 start from his UFC-Run, the former UFC Middleweight champion suffered his first loss in the Octagon in his last time-out against Khamzat Chimaev.
The undefeated title Challenger dominated the South African du Plessis with its wrestling for five rounds, unable to finish the champion on the way to a unanimous decision victory at UFC 319.
After his title loss, a top middleweight candidate says that he would be to fight 'still know'.
Photo by Ed Mulholland/Zuffa LLC
Paulo Costa wants Dricus du Plessis above Israel Adesanya Rematch
Paulo Costa is in the world on #13 after beating Roman Kopylov on UFC 318.
The former title Challenger fought the then champion Israel Adesanya in 2021 and has victories over Luke Rockhold, Yoel Romero and Johny Hendricks. In the past, Costa has claimed that he is the man to deduct Chimaev.
Although Costa still has to avenge his loss against Adesanya, 'The Eraser' is more interested in combating the now former Champ du Plessis.
“They both sound good,” Costa told Submission Radio.
“But yes, Dricus is better because he is fresh from the belt.
“Unpredictable,” Costa said about a potential fight with Du Plessis.
“He is so unpredictable …
“He is a tough guy. Tough guy to fight, to be honest.”
Costa says he would like to return in November or December.
Paulo Costa claims that Khamzat Chimaev was afraid of fighting 'honestly'
A lot is made of the UFC 319 Main Event between Khamzat Chimaev and Dricus du Plessis.
It was a one-sided fight by Chimaev, where fans called his shutout performance boring or super impressive, especially for the first time of the wrestler five rounds.
As far as Costa is concerned, the Brazilian thinks that the new champion wanted nothing to do with Du Plessis on the feet.
'[Du Plessis is] Very heavy and Khamzat Chimaev knew that, “Costa continued.
“That's why he [held] Him so long. And even the fifth round, Dricus was still dangerous.
“Chimaev was afraid of combating him honestly,” Costa claimed.
“He just [held] The man for five [rounds]25 minutes … “