Alkass Digital
Joe Rogan is buzzing with excitement about the potential fight between Alex Pereira and Dricus Du Plessis.
Du Plessis, the reigning middleweight champion with a record of 22-2 MMA and 8-0 in the UFC, was challenged by Pereira, who holds the light heavyweight title and has a 11-2 MMA record with 8-1 in the UFC. Pereira called out Du Plessis following his successful defense of the middleweight belt against Israel Adesanya at UFC 305.
Du Plessis accepted Pereira’s challenge, but for a bout at 205 pounds instead of middleweight. Rogan had high praise for Du Plessis’ performance against Adesanya, highlighting his resilience and power.
During his Fight Companion podcast, Rogan described Du Plessis as “awkward, relentless, powerful, extremely durable, and possessing tremendous heart.” He noted how Du Plessis managed to land significant punches and ultimately secure a win against Adesanya. Rogan emphasized that Du Plessis’s ability to deliver powerful shots even after being hit demonstrates his strength and tenacity.
Rogan was particularly impressed by how Du Plessis managed to submit Adesanya with a rear-naked choke. He pointed out that this was a unique achievement, as no one had previously submitted Adesanya in such a manner within the UFC.
Rogan believes that Du Plessis, being a formidable middleweight, could successfully move up to the light heavyweight division. However, he expressed some uncertainty about how Du Plessis would fare against Pereira’s striking power at that weight class.
“He could definitely move up to 205,” Rogan said. “It would be fascinating to see him try. He can take a punch, but can he withstand a hit from Pereira at that weight? Pereira has been known for putting everyone to sleep at 205.”
Although Rogan has not called a pay-per-view event outside the U.S. for years, he indicated he would make an exception for a fight between Pereira and Du Plessis.
“If Du Plessis moves up to 205 and fights Pereira, it would be incredible,” Rogan said. “I’d be willing to go anywhere to commentate that fight. It’s a matchup I really want to see.”