Dricus Du Plessis has respectfully turned down Kelvin Gastelum’s callout.
After returning to the win column with a Fight of the Night victory over Chris Curtis at UFC 287, Gastelum (18-8 MMA, 12-8 UFC) proposed a title eliminator bout with streaking contender Du Plessis.
Unbeaten in the UFC, Du Plessis (19-2 MMA, 5-0 UFC) is coming off back-to-back stoppage wins over Darren Till and Derek Brunson – and he has bigger plans than Gastelum.
Gastelum and Du Plessis almost fought when they both lost out on their opponents at UFC 273, but the bout was scrapped when Gastelum withdrew due to injury.
Check out their back-and-forth on Twitter, where even rising middleweight Brendan Allen chimed in.
Gastelum calls for title eliminator with Du Plessis
Title eliminator vs @dricusduplessis on July 8.
What do you say Dricus? #OnAmission4Gold— #OnAmission4Gold (@KelvinGastelum) April 17, 2023
Du Plessis doesn't think Gastelum has earned it
Bro much respect to you and all you’ve achieved and well done on a spectacular performance but 2-5 in the last 7 doesn’t really make sense for me and also you screwed me out of a fight last time so no thanks let’s talk again after a few more wins. Always been a fan of your fights
— Dricus Du Plessis (@dricusduplessis) April 18, 2023
Gastelum says beating him would make Du Plessis No. 1 contender
You always talk about wanting to fight for the title. You’ve got 1 more win to be able to get to that.
You best me, and you’re next one after is for a title, guaranteed.
I didn’t screw you,
I got injured and you know this.
If you’re serious about fighting for the title. Sign.— #OnAmission4Gold (@KelvinGastelum) April 18, 2023
Du Plessis warns Gastelum
Oky well If you’re serious about your UFC career try get an easier fight.
— Dricus Du Plessis (@dricusduplessis) April 18, 2023
Brendan Allen chimes in
🤣🤣 everyone wants that easy #6 spot.
— Brendan Allen (@BrendanAllenMMA) April 18, 2023
Du Plessis fires back
I Did in 5 fights what you couldn’t do in 11
You keep your attention on those gatekeeper duties and I’ll handle the big boys👍🏻— Dricus Du Plessis (@dricusduplessis) April 18, 2023
Du Plessis and Allen go back and forth
I don’t need a list it’s simple it’s called winning that’s what I do better than you.
— Dricus Du Plessis (@dricusduplessis) April 19, 2023
Du Plessis and Gastelum end things amicably
Appreciate that brother best of luck to you too! Rooting for you👊🏼
— Dricus Du Plessis (@dricusduplessis) April 18, 2023
