Israel Adesanya thrashes South African Dricus du Plessis for ‘disrespecting’ Aboriginal culture at UFC 305

Israel Adesanya vs. Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 305 is among the biggest rivalry in recent times. For Adesanya, the fight signifies much more than an opportunity to get back his belt. On the other hand, DDP has plans to prove his point against Izzy. Going into the fight week, there is a new chapter of animosity that has been added to their beef. 

UFC 305 will take place in Perth, Australia, and all fighters were invited to a local aboriginal welcome ceremony. During the ceremony, fighters, including Tai Tuivasa, Steve Erceg, and Adesanya himself, took part in the traditional dance. Meanwhile, DDP observed the whole thing without participation. After the event, Adesanya called out Du Plessis for just standing and looking at him from a distance. 

I’m there trying to tap into the energy of the people… paying respects. Motherf***er is there trying to mean mug me. I remember looking at [Dricus] like ‘what the f*** are you doing… this is not the time and place…What a f***ing idiot.
Israel Adesanya via TheMacLife YouTube channel

In the video, ‘StillKnocks’ was observed having a cold look in his eyes, staring right into his opponent Izzy. Adesanya’s comments were also referenced to his ignorant comments on underprivileged fighters in Africa. The ‘Last Stylebender’ believed DDP doesn’t care about his own culture, so fans should not expect him to respect others. 

Adesanya is a crowd favorite in Australia and will have an immense crowd supporting him during the fight. Perth is the same place where the fighter won his middleweight title for the first time against Robert Whittaker. Going into the fight night, Izzy plans to do the same and become a third-time UFC middleweight champion. 

Israel Adesanya talks about his intense staredown with Dricus Du Plessis 

The bad blood between both the fighters goes way back to when Dricus Du Plessis discredited the ‘Three African Kings.’ Since then, Israel Adesanya has been waiting to get his hands on the reigning champion. This has resulted in various bone-chilling intersections between Du Plessis and Adesanya in the past. 

Israel Adesanya talks about his staredown with Dricus Du Plessis (via Imago/X)

The first time both fighters got into face to face was at UFC 290 inside the octagon. During the interaction, the pair indulged in a racial altercation, which skyrocketed their rivalry. Later, it happened at the pre-sales press conference of UFC 305. This time, the animosity was even more and the face-off lasted for a couple of minutes. While talking about the incident, Izzy revealed what went down. 

He tried to puffer fish me and then he realized pretty quickly that I’m not the one he could just try and just blow smoke at. He felt my energy and he understands, he knows who he’s dealing with now. Right moment, right there. He got to look into my eyes and see who I’m. 
Israel Adesanya via UFC 305 media day presser