Du Plessis dismisses future fight with Pereira after loss

Dricus Du Plessis expressed disappointment over the recent loss of Alex Pereira's UFC light heavyweight title to Magomed Ankalaev. Du Plessis, the reigning UFC middleweight champion, had been looking forward to a potential fight with Pereira. However, Pereira's defeat in a unanimous decision at UFC 313 changed those plans. Du Plessis acknowledged that he felt he missed out on a big payday because of Pereira's loss. He stated, "Thanks, Ankalaev, for taking the biggest payday of my life," but added that it was not personal. He believes Pereira may get a rematch with Ankalaev soon. If Pereira wins back the title, it could revive interest in a fight. However, Du Plessis is not interested in facing Pereira even if he regains the title. He noted that Pereira's appeal has faded, saying, "Aura gone." Du Plessis is expected to defend his middleweight title next against undefeated contender Khamzat Chimaev, but a date and location for that fight have not been finalized.