Roberto Soldic fires back at Dricus Du Plessis ‘clean’ comment: ‘He’s already making excuses’

KSW welterweight title challenger, Roberto Soldic, believes champion Dricus Du Plessis is already making excuses for an impending loss by questioning if he is a “clean” fighter ahead of their rematch at KSW 45 Saturday in London, England.

Soldic jumped at an opportunity for an immediate rematch with South African Du Plessis following their epic welterweight title clash back in April. Considered a blue-chip prospect in terms of European MMA, “Robocop” believes his weight cut and other factors led to his second-round downfall at KSW 43.

(Editor’s note: Quotes in this article have been edited for clarity and concision)

“It was the weight cut, but it was also a case of me being tired and impatient,” Soldic told MMA Fighting. “When I lose control I lose myself; it felt like I wasn’t there like I have been before. My mind went blank; it’s not like the old ‘Robocop’.

“I just wanted to go into the cage and take his head off as fast as I could. In the end, that ended up costing me the fight. I didn’t see the punch coming and I went down. I know now that I can get knocked down. I travelled all over the world and even in training, that’s never happened to me.”

“To be honest, I think it made me a more motivated and disciplined fighter. Everything has changed and my preparation has been perfect. I’m ready to go to war.”

Ahead of their rematch, Du Plessis stated that Roberto Soldic that couldn’t be considered a “clean” fighter. Replying to the comment, Soldic claims that the South African is already making excuses for his impending defeat.

“I hope KSW brings in drug testing for champions. That should be the way it is,” he said. “I think it’s just talk. He’s already making excuses because he knows what’s going to happen in London.”

Soldic also insisted that he would return the favor and grant Du Plessis an immediate rematch should he regain parity in their series in the English capital:

“Of course I will give him a rematch when I win, for sure. I’m ready to fight everyone. KSW just have to give me a name and I’ll come to fight. I have no problem giving him a rematch.”