Dricus Du Plessis, the top UFC middleweight contender, brushed off his encounter with champion Israel Adesanya following his victory over Robert Whittaker at UFC 290.
After Du Plessis defeated the former champion, Adesanya entered the octagon and unleashed a string of offensive words directed at the South African fighter. Although no physical altercation occurred, the language used added an unpleasant racial undertone to their upcoming fight.
During the post-fight press conference in Las Vegas on Saturday, Du Plessis stated, “As you witnessed tonight, I am prepared. I am prepared for everything he says.”
Du Plessis criticized Adesanya’s behavior, labeling it clownish and unbecoming of a champion. He emphasized the importance of conducting oneself with dignity, especially as a role model for others. Du Plessis vowed to sell tickets in his own way, upholding his reputation as a gentleman and a man.
Du Plessis had drawn Adesanya’s attention by highlighting his African residency as part of his campaign to win the title. He contrasted his residency in Africa with Adesanya’s in New Zealand and stated his intention to become an African champion.
Responding to critics who accused him of disrespecting Adesanya’s African heritage, Du Plessis clarified that he never claimed to be “more African” than the champion. Adesanya, however, remained unconvinced by the clarification and targeted a showdown at UFC 293 in Sydney on September 10.
Adesanya, speaking recently on The MMA Hour, denied questioning Du Plessis’ ethnicity and acknowledged that he was born in South Africa. However, he criticized Du Plessis for his disrespectful remarks, including claiming to be the true African and boasting about breathing African air. Adesanya expressed his desire to educate Du Plessis on the matter.
On Saturday, Adesanya escalated the conflict by using racial slurs against Du Plessis and even mocked him by offering a genetic test to prove his Caucasian heritage.
Despite the provocation, Du Plessis remained unfazed by Adesanya’s sudden intrusion. He interpreted it as a sign that Adesanya already sees him as the champion and emphasized his own dominance inside the cage.
Adesanya and Du Plessis have a history in MMA, having sparred together in Thailand early in their careers. Adesanya admitted that Du Plessis had the upper hand in grappling.
Du Plessis highlighted his knockout victory over Whittaker as evidence of his striking abilities but reiterated his supreme confidence in his ground game if a fight with Adesanya goes to that realm. He expressed his belief that he would easily overpower Adesanya in that situation.
Quoting his recent performance against Whittaker, Du Plessis asserted that he would defeat Adesanya by sticking to his game plan, relying on his style, and listening to his coaches and teammates. He emphasized the importance of earning respect as the current number one contender in the world.
For Adesanya, earning that respect will only come inside the octagon. The middleweight champion made it clear that he hasn’t forgotten Du Plessis’ comments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about UFC rivalry
What is the controversy between Dricus Du Plessis and Israel Adesanya at UFC 290?
Dricus Du Plessis criticized Israel Adesanya’s behavior after his victory over Robert Whittaker, calling him a clown and questioning his conduct as a champion. Adesanya responded with offensive language and racial undertones, escalating the tensions between them.
Did Dricus Du Plessis disrespect Israel Adesanya’s African heritage?
Du Plessis defended himself against accusations of disrespecting Adesanya’s African heritage, clarifying that he never claimed to be “more African” than the champion. However, Adesanya remained unconvinced and targeted a future showdown with Du Plessis.
How did Israel Adesanya respond to Dricus Du Plessis’ criticism?
Adesanya denied questioning Du Plessis’ ethnicity but criticized him for disrespectful remarks and boasting about being the true African. He expressed a desire to educate Du Plessis on the matter.
What are the fighters’ views on their upcoming fight?
Du Plessis exuded confidence in his abilities, stating that he would knock out Adesanya and overpower him if the fight went to the ground. He emphasized his dominant performance against Whittaker as evidence of his competitiveness. Adesanya expressed his intention to take the respect he deserves inside the octagon.
Is there a history between Dricus Du Plessis and Israel Adesanya?
Adesanya and Du Plessis have sparred together in the past during their early careers in MMA. Adesanya acknowledged that Du Plessis was superior in grappling.
When and where is the anticipated fight between Dricus Du Plessis and Israel Adesanya?
The fight between Du Plessis and Adesanya is targeted for UFC 293 in Sydney on September 10.
More about UFC rivalry
- Dricus Du Plessis criticizes Israel Adesanya’s behavior at UFC 290
- Israel Adesanya responds to Dricus Du Plessis’ criticism
- Adesanya and Du Plessis sparred together in the past
- Upcoming fight between Du Plessis and Adesanya at UFC 293
5 comments
Dricus Du Plessis’ diss of Israel Adesanya got him fired up! Adesanya fired back wit offensive words. This rivalry just got personal. Can’t wait to see them settle it in the cage!
omg, wat a drama! Dricus Du Plessis calin out Israel Adesanya at UFC 290! Adesanya bein a clown! Racial tensions high. Cant w8 4 da fight!
Du Plessis makin a name 4 himself by challenging Adesanya. Respect to him for callin out da champ. Adesanya’s response tho, crossed the line. UFC 293 gonna be intense!
Du Plessis vs. Adesanya, the feud that’s takin the MMA world by storm! Can’t wait to see if Du Plessis can back up his words against the champ. This fight is gonna be epic!
Adesanya and Du Plessis takin their pre-fight trash talk to the next level! Things gettin heated between these middleweight contenders. The tension is real!