Du Plessis declined UFC 300 fight vs. Adesanya due to injury

UFC middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis wasn't healthy enough to face Israel Adesanya at UFC 300.

Du Plessis confirmed Monday that the UFC approached him about making a three-month turnaround to headline the April 13 event against Adesanya in Las Vegas. Though the South African "of course" wanted to be part of the milestone card, he said he opted not to take the fight because he was still recovering from a fractured foot suffered in his title win over Sean Strickland in January.

"That would've been a massive fight, me and Izzy," Du Plessis said in an interview with UFC fighter Cameron Saaiman. "It was on the table - 100%. 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 - I am the champion now. And I can fight when I'm ready.

"I think Izzy misjudges himself as still being a champion, and he's not. You will fight when you get the opportunity. You don't dictate when I fight."

Du Plessis, who captured the middleweight championship with a grueling split-decision win over Strickland at UFC 297 in Toronto, said he resumed boxing training just last week and would have needed more time to prepare for Adesanya.

"There's one thing that matters to me more than fighting on a massive card like 300," Du Plessis said. "And that is being able to defend my title. And doing it in spectacular fashion."

Du Plessis added that he's confident he'll still fight Adesanya next and is eager for the bout to take place in South Africa.

"The fight's gonna happen," Du Plessis said. "He's been a big mouth about coming to South Africa and dragging carcasses - I mean, that's what he said. So be a man of your word, step up, (and) do it. Let's make UFC Africa. Let's make it happen. Obviously, that is what I would love in an ideal situation. Fighting Israel Adesanya on African - and South African - soil."