Dricus Du Plessis is no longer interested in a fight with Alex Pereira.
Pereira had been linked to take on UFC middleweight champion Du Plessis or Jon Jones if he got past Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313.
However, the Brazilian fan-favourite suffered a tight unanimous decision defeat, subsequently losing his 205lb strap to the Russian in the process.
‘Poatan’ has already won a UFC title in the division currently ruled by Du Plessis, but had the option to move back down to fight the South African if defeated Ankalaev.
However, Pereira was much more likely to move up to the heavyweight division in an attempt to become the UFC’s first-ever three-weight champion.
His potential mega-fight with Jones is now off the cards too, with the latter expected to unify the heavyweight titles against Briton Tom Aspinall this year.
Both Pereira and Ankalaev have already seemingly agreed to a rematch after UFC CEO Dana White said that was ‘probably’ the most likely option.
Pereira is arguably the most feared fighter in the UFC, but Du Plessis believes this is no longer a case and cited his ‘lack of aura’ for not wanting to fight him anymore.
“Thanks, Ankalaev, for taking the biggest payday of my life,” ‘Stillknocks’ said on Jackson O’Doherty’s YouTube channel.
“It’s nothing personal.”
The 31-year-old then asserted that Pereira’s buzz he previously had before his UFC 313 encounter will never be recaptured, even if he does win in the rematch.
“No (I’m not interested),” Du Plessis added. “Aura gone.”
Du Plessis won the 185lb belt after defeating Sean Strickland at UFC 297 in January 2024.
He then defended it against Israel Adesanya seven months later, before beating Strickland again in the main event UFC 313 last month.
‘Stillknocks’ is expected to defend his belt against No.3 ranked middleweight Khamzat Chimaev in his next fight at some point this year.
As for Pereira, he has asserted fans that he will ‘be back’ after losing his title to Ankalaev.
“That’s it everyone. Some marks, but I’m good,” Pereira said on social media in the immediate aftermath of his loss.
“[I’m] gonna rest a bit. I’ll be back like I’ve always done. This has already happened, but I’m good.
“I’m grateful for all your support, for all your love [and] always supporting me.
“I’m receiving so many messages of great encouragement. I’m here with my people: my family, my team, my children.
“Everyone’s here. Everyone’s here with me. I’m gonna have some pizza. That’s that, life continues.
“[I’m] gonna make some adjustments for the rematch and I’ll be back much better. You can count on it.
“All good everyone. Never give up on your dreams. Chama.”
Speaking after the UFC 313 Las Vegas card, UFC CEO White said that he scored the bout to Ankalaev and thinks Pereira will ‘probably’ get an immediate rematch.
“I expected a lot more shooting. I expected a lot more exchanges,” White told the media at UFC 313.
“Probably,” he responded when asked if MMA fans can expect a rematch.
Where to buy UFC London tickets
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With the UFC only coming to the UK a handful of times per year, the opportunity to see MMA’s biggest stars in action can be limited.
However, this month UK-based MMA fans will have the opportunity to see the excitement live as the UFC returns to the 02 arena for UFC Fight Night 254, Edwards vs Brady.
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Get your UFC London hospitality tickets below.
UFC London hospitality tickets (02 Arena, 22 March)
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