UFC champion Dricus du Plessis slams Israel Adesanya
South African UFC champion Dricus du Plessis has called Nigerian-born MMA star Israel Adesanya a fool ahead of their highly anticipated fight in Australia.
The two fighters are set to face off at UFC 305 on Saturday. This will be du Plessis’ first defense of his UFC middleweight belt since he defeated Sean Strickland in January.
Du Plessis, 30, made the comment while reflecting on their July 2023 encounter. After Adesanya’s victory over Robert Whittaker, du Plessis challenged him in the cage, and their interaction became heated.
Speaking to Fox Sports Australia, du Plessis said, “I don’t behave emotionally because I’m in control of what I do. So there’s nothing he can ever say that would get me angry or upset. When you start behaving emotionally like that, it’s a loss.”
The feud intensified when Adesanya took issue with du Plessis’ claim about becoming the first “real African champion” in the UFC. According to du Plessis, Adesanya “was behaving like a fool” during their previous confrontation.
As they prepare for their title bout, both fighters are gearing up for a dramatic showdown in Australia.
