Israel Adesanya’s upcoming fight with Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 305 has sparked a heated rivalry between the two middleweight fighters. The tension between them stems from Du Plessis’ statement about becoming the first “real African” champion in the UFC, which offended Adesanya. Adesanya, who hails from Nigeria but moved to New Zealand for better opportunities, took issue with Du Plessis’ comments, calling for him to take accountability for his words.
In a recent interview with TMZ Sports, Adesanya expressed his frustration with Du Plessis’ lack of understanding of the struggles faced by African fighters like himself, Abdul Razak Alhassan, and Francis Ngannou. Adesanya highlighted the hardships endured by fighters like Ngannou, who had to flee their countries for better training opportunities. He emphasized the importance of respecting the journeys of African fighters who paved the way for champions like Du Plessis.
Adesanya made it clear that he believes Du Plessis would not be in his current position as a UFC champion without the contributions of fighters like Ngannou, himself, and Kamaru Usman. He accused Du Plessis of trying to claim all the credit for himself without acknowledging the groundwork laid by previous African champions. Adesanya questioned Du Plessis’ mindset and criticized his lack of respect for those who came before him.
Despite the animosity between Adesanya and Du Plessis, Adesanya also discussed the changes he has made to his training regimen during his 10-month hiatus from fighting. He hinted at the possibility of looking different in the Octagon and addressed speculation about his long-term plans in the UFC. Adesanya’s return to the Octagon raises questions about his commitment to the sport and whether he intends to stay active or make a one-time appearance.
The rivalry between Israel Adesanya and Dricus Du Plessis adds an interesting dynamic to the upcoming fight at UFC 305. The clash of perspectives and values between the two fighters underscores the importance of recognizing and respecting the contributions of those who came before. Adesanya’s strong stance on accountability and legacy highlights the deeper meaning behind the sport of MMA and the shared journey of African fighters in the UFC.