Israel Adesanya, the Nigerian-born Kiwi and former UFC middleweight champion, is set to make a long-awaited return to the octagon. His opponent? The reigning 185-pound champion, Dricus du Plessis, a South African fighter who recently defeated Sean Strickland. The tension between the two fighters has been palpable, fueled by du Plessis’ comments on Adesanya’s African heritage and their shared history.
Dricus du Plessis: "I'm the African fighter. Me and Cameron. WE breathe African air, WE wake up in Africa every day. " pic.twitter.com/7xWfyfhvem
— MMA Mania (@mmamania) March 1, 2023
The Rivalry Between Israel Adesanya and Dricus Du Plessis
Du Plessis, known as ‘Stillknocks,’ has been vocal about being the “real African champion.” However, Adesanya believes that he, along with other African champions like Kamaru Usman and Francis Ngannou, paved the way for fighters like du Plessis.
In a recent interview, Adesanya expressed his plan for the upcoming fight: “Just beat him up, that’s the main plan… Look, you have to honor those who came before you. You wouldn’t have been able to do what you’re doing at home in South Africa if Francis Ngannou and Kamaru Usman didn’t pave the way for you. You have to respect your elders, and I’ll make sure I do that to him.”
The Showdown
The highly anticipated rematch between Israel Adesanya and du Plessis at UFC 305 promises fireworks. Du Plessis is confident that it won’t be a “boring” fight, vowing to secure a finish. Israel Adesanya, on the other hand, aims to teach his rival a lesson in humility. The octagon awaits, and the clash between these two fighters will undoubtedly be one for the books.
In the world of MMA, respect isn’t just about physical prowess—it’s also about acknowledging those who paved the way. As Adesanya steps back into the spotlight, he carries with him the legacy of African fighters who came before him. And in this battle of champions, both inside and outside the cage, respect will be the ultimate test.