UFC 285 fighter Dricus du Plessis disappointed with UFC's 'bulls**t' decision to have Bo Nickal open main card 

Dricus du Plessis and Bo Nickal are both set to compete at UFC 285. Du Plessis will face No.5-ranked middleweight Derek Brunson on the preliminary card, while Nickal will face Jamie Pickett to open the main card. The No.10-ranked middleweight is not happy with the UFC's decision to have an unranked middleweight bout open the main card.

Speaking to The Schmo, 'Stillknocks' was asked about Nickal, stating:

"I guess maybe the UFC's like, 'listen, we have an American Khamzat [Chimaev] here, but I think it's bulls**t quite honestly. This guy coming in making his UFC debut fighting on the main card. I've had four fights, three performance bonuses, and I get booted to the undercard, but no hate, no hate. It's not his fault. He's only here to fight, but the proofs in the pudding. Once you get under those lights, let's see how you perform then."

While the UFC appears to be attempting to fast track Bo Nickal to stardom, it is still surprising to see an unranked middleweight bout receive a main card slot while a top-ten middleweight bout is on the preliminary card. In addition to being left off the main card, Dricus du Plessis' bout against Derek Brunson will not serve as the final matchup of the preliminary card.

Watch Dricus du Plessis' comments on Bo Nickal below (starting at the 4:45 mark):

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Dricus du Plessis backs Israel Adesanya over Alex Pereira

Israel Adesanya will challenge Alex Pereira for the lightweight title at UFC 287 in a rematch of their UFC 281 bout. Dricus du Plessis, who will look to enter the division's top five this weekend, shared why he believes 'The Last Stylebender' will reclaim the throne. Speaking with The Schmo, the No.10-ranked middleweight stated:

"I honestly see Adesanya getting that title back... I just think Adesanya's mindset is to beat this guy that's been taking food off his table for so long and I think that's going to be a different animal and maybe we see the old Adesanya back coming there throwing, not playing it safe, and that's going to make a big difference. I honestly believe I'm facing Adesanya for that belt."

Israel Adesanya was ahead three rounds to one on all three judges' scorecards before Alex Pereira defeated him via a fifth-round TKO. Despite holding three losses against 'Poatan', two of which came in kickboxing, 'The Last Stylebender' has opened as the betting favorite.

Watch Dricus du Plessis discuss Israel Adesanya versus Alex Pereira 2 below (starting at the 4:00 mark):