Dricus du Plessis is open to a third fight with Stipe Soldic now that the Croatian has signed with the UFC. The pair previously traded victories in the KSW promotion, leaving their rivalry tied at one win each.
The KSW tie : A second-round TKO and a third-round knockout
The professional history between Dricus du Plessis and Stipe Soldic is defined by a balanced ledger. According to the report, the two fighters faced off twice during their tenure with the KSW promotion,with each man claiming a definitive victory. In their first encounter, Dricus du Plessis utilized aggressive pressure to secure a technical knockout in the second round, a win that stripped Stipe Soldic of the KSW welterweight title.
The momentum shifted during their rematch roughly six months later.. As the report says, Stipe Soldic reclaimed the championship belt by knocking out Dricus du Plessis in the third round.. This see-saw dynamic has transformed a standard rivalry into a narrative of unfinished business, creating a natural demand for a rubber match to determine the superior athlete.
The 'outside the ecosystem' gap facing Stipe Soldic
While welcoming the prospect of a third fight , Dricus du Plessis has cautioned that success in regional circuits does not always translate to the Octagon. In a recent interview with Fight Forecast, Dricus du Plessis noted that while Stipe Soldic was widely considered the best fighter operating outside the UFC ecosystem, the level of competition within the UFC is on a completely different plane.
This observation reflects a broader trend in mixed martial arts where dominant champions from international promotions often struggle with the sudden jump in athletic depth found in the UFC. Dricus du Plessis suggests that many newcomers are shocked to find that their previous dominance does not grant them immediate status within the world's premier fighting organization.
The Middleweight climb for a Welterweight contender
A significant physical hurdle remains for a potential trilogy:the discrepancy in weight classes. Dricus du Plessis has established himself as a force in the UFC middleweight division, whereas Stipe Soldic has primarily competed as a welterweight. For this fight to materialize, Stipe Soldic would be required to move up a weight class to challenge the South African.
Moving from welterweight to middleweight presents a daunting challenge, as Stipe Soldic would face opponents with significantly more raw power and size. If the bout occurs at middleweight, the tactical advantage would likely shift toward the natural strength of Dricus du Plessis, forcing Stipe Soldic to rely more heavily on his technical agility and striking precision.
The 'few impressive wins' required for a super fight
The path to a third fight is not immediate, as Dricus du Plessis has set specific benchmarks for the newcomer. The report indicates that Dricus du Plessis is open to the clash provided that Stipe Soldic can secure a few impressive wins upon his arrival in the UFC and expresses a willingness to move up in weight.
Several questions remain unanswered regarding the timing and logistics of such a bout. It is currently unclear if the UFC matchmakers view this rivalry as a priority for Stipe Soldic's early career, or if the organization prefers to build his profile through different opponents first. Furthermore, the source does not specify if Stipe Soldic has already begun the physical transition to middleweight or if he intends to remain at welterweight for his debut phase.
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