Du Plessis: Adesanya won't make another UFC title run

UFC middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis believes Israel Adesanya's days as a top contender are over.

"For Izzy, I don't think there's another title run - with all due respect," Du Plessis said Tuesday at UFC 312 media day, according to MMA Fighting. "I think his legacy is cemented and will always be there. And whatever he feels like doing, he can do. I put him in the same category as Anderson Silva at this stage: Lose as many fights as you want, you'll always have your legacy."

Adesanya, a two-time middleweight champ, suffered his third straight loss at UFC Saudi Arabia last weekend, falling to Nassourdine Imavov by second-round knockout.

"The Last Stylebender" also came up short in a title fight with Du Plessis last August.

Du Plessis is scheduled to defend his belt in a rematch with Sean Strickland on Saturday in Sydney, Australia. He said Adesanya is at the stage of his career where he can do whatever he wants - even walk away from the sport.

"Whatever (Adesanya) decides to do - take superfights here, there, if you want to, if you still have the passion for it. If you've lost the passion, you have the money, don't do it anymore," Du Plessis said. "You don't have to take any more trauma, you don't have to put yourself through that. But if you want to do it, go for it. Nothing he can do can tarnish that legacy that he's already built."

Adesanya, 35, is widely considered the second-greatest fighter in 185-pound history behind Silva. Adesanya held the title from 2019-22 and then again in 2023, and he owns the second-most title defenses in division history at five.