[autotag]Dricus Du Plessis[/autotag] has been offered several deals from big promotions, including the UFC, but is currently facing a hurdle.
A 26-year-old EFC dual-champ, Du Plessis (14-2 MMA) is one of South Africa’s hottest prospects, having won numerous titles across multiple organizations.
But he is currently under a deal with Polish promotion KSW, which he says is refusing to release him from his contract before its completion in December.
The issue for Du Plessis is KSW has released multiple fighters from their contracts before, allowing the likes of David Zawada to head to the UFC before his contract was up.
Du Plessis, who captured the KSW welterweight title by upsetting Roberto Soldic in his promotional debut, said he has been offered deals from the PFL, Rizin, and a four-fight deal from the UFC. He wants to go to the UFC as soon as he’s able to.
“I received the offers when I was in the States back in February,” Du Plessis told MMA Junkie. “They say my contract term isn’t over yet and they are not releasing me until then, even though guys like Zawada and some others were given an early release from their contract.
“To be completely honest, I’m actually a little sad that my relationship with KSW has gone down this road. I’ve always had a great relationship with everyone that is (a) part of KSW and they’ve been incredibly good to me and vice versa until this dilemma.”
Du Plessis lost his title to Soldic in a rematch, but rebounded with a second-round finish over Joilton Santos at KSW London. He captured the EFC middleweight title in his most recent outing and is now ready to take his talents to the big leagues.
“I’m really hoping for an early release so I can go on with my career and start building my way up to that UFC title as soon as possible,” Du Plessis said. “But what’s happening now is just a waste of everyone’s time, and for what?”
KSW owner Maciej Kawulski recently took aim at Du Plessis when speaking to Polish media, claiming that he wasn’t marketable, which has further soured the relationship between Du Plessis and KSW.
“I think that’s a terrible thing to say about a fighter – especially a former champion in the promotion,” Du Plessis said. “But what I can say is my record is 14-2, with 14 finishes – nine submissions, five KOs and TKOs. I held three worldwide promotion titles in two different promotions and two different weight classes. In 16 fights, I’ve earned 13 performance bonuses.
“So my comment can only be if you’re struggling to promote me, somebody’s not doing their job and it definitely ain’t me. With that said, If I am so difficult to promote (then) why make all this fuss? Just release me then and my promotion won’t be your problem anymore.”