Current UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis confirmed that he declined to fight Israel Adesanya at UFC 300, scheduled for April 14 in Las Vegas.
Du Plessis was quoted by MMAnews:
With the conversations of [UFC] 300, that would’ve been a massive fight with me and Izzy (Israel Adesanya). It was on the table, 100 percent, but one thing people don’t realize is why would I go and start a camp once again, injured, if I am the champion? Taking risks is one thing, I have been taking risks, a lot, but why would I risk?
Dricus du Plessis
Du Plessis last fought Sean Strickland in January this year at UFC 297. In that bout, Dricus secured a win by split decision. He boasts 21 victories and two losses.
Adesanya's last octagon appearance was against Sean Strickland in September 2023 at UFC 293. The fight went the distance and ended with Israel losing by unanimous decision. He has 24 wins and three losses on his record.