Israel Adesanya and Dricus Du Plessis have often indulged themselves in some kind of argument. Among these, almost all the time, both fighters came down arguing about their African roots. However, this time, Adesanya gave a stern message to the UFC middleweight champion.
With UFC 305 just around the corner, ‘Izzy’ has sparked the racial rivalry between the fighters once again. Interestingly, this rivalry has been ongoing for over a year. ‘StillKnocks’ has consistently claimed to be the true African champion. Per DDP, he is the only active champion who trains and lives in the African continent. However, this assertion seems to have bothered Adesanya.
People like Razak and myself who were forced to flee our country for better opportunities. He (Dricus du Plessis) will never understand that because he behind the f***ing gates of his priviledged life in South Africa.
Israel Adesanya via TMZ Sports
The former middleweight champ has lived most of his life in New Zealand. However, his roots are traced back to Nigeria. Per Izzy, DDP doesn’t deserve to call himself the only African champion. Adesanya highlighted the middleweight champion has no right to discredit others just because he trains in South Africa. Izzy even states that Du Plessis will never be a part of the three African kings.
Israel Adesanya goes OFF on “privileged” Dricus du Plessis for his comments about being the first African champion:
“People like [Abdul Razak Alhassan] and myself who were forced to flee our own country because of a better opportunity.
[Dricus] will never understand that… pic.twitter.com/zLMNZGxHYO
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) August 11, 2024
Not only that, Adesanya also highlighted fellow middleweight fighter Abdul Razak Alhassan’s opinions on the champion. Along with Izzy, Alhassan also believes Du Plessis has no right to discredit other African champions.
Interestingly, Adesanya and Dricus Du Plessis started the real African debate last year. They were initially scheduled to clash at UFC 293 but an injury on the part of Du Plessis pulled him out of the picture. After a year, both the fighters finally get to take on each other.
Robert Whittaker drops down his prediction for the Dricus Du Plessis vs. Israel Adesanya fight
Robert Whittaker has been a standout performer in the UFC for a decade now. As a UFC veteran, Whittaker has experience fighting several fighters in the division, including Du Plessis and Adesanya. ‘The Reaper’ took on the Nigerian-born Kiwi fighter twice. In their first encounter, Adesanya knocked out Whittaker to replace him as the new middleweight king.
Robert Whittaker gives his prediction for the Israel Adesanya vs. Dricus du Plessis fight (Image via Instagram)However, as for their second encounter, the fight went to distance, with Izzy retaining the belt. Interestingly, in pursuit to capture the UFC gold, Whittaker faced du Plessis. The South African fighter comfortably thrashed the Reaper via TKO and extended his unbeaten streak. After taking on both Adesanya and Du Plessis, Whittaker gave his prediction for UFC 305.
DDP has a strong position to be the favorite just because the Sean (Strickland) fought and beat Izzy, then the DDP fought and beat Sean… So you’d have to think logically that DDP will be the favorite.
Robert Whittaker via The MMA Hour
Per Whittaker, Adesanya might find success in that fight if he chose to keep DDP at a distance. Ultimately, he can stretch the fight to win by points. Now the highly anticipated clash between both African-born fighters is set for the coming. However, it remains to be seen whether the debate between the fighters will end or not.
