PERTH, Australia – Israel Adesanya expressed his emotions fiercely while responding to Dricus Du Plessis.
A key topic ahead of Adesanya’s title fight against middleweight champion Du Plessis at UFC 305 revolves around Du Plessis’ claim of being the first real African champion. Adesanya has previously contested this assertion, but a remark from Du Plessis during a press conference seemed to particularly irritate him.
“On Tuesday, I’m going back to Nigeria,” Adesanya stated. “I think Friday I’m heading to South Africa, and then next week I’m returning to New Zealand. I am a global citizen, and when I claim this belt, I will carry it everywhere with me.”
Du Plessis responded provocatively, “Are you taking the servants with you when you’re going back?”
This comment triggered a strong reaction from Adesanya. “What the hell are you talking about?” he shot back.
Du Plessis attempted to clarify, “It’s obvious to see. Are you implying that I turned this into a cultural issue?”
Adesanya quickly interrupted, “Shut up! You don’t know my background at all!”
“I don’t care about your story,” Du Plessis retorted.
Adesanya continued, “My father and I woke up at 4 a.m. to clean banks while my mom studied to be a nurse. You know nothing of my life. Don’t speak about my story if you’re not familiar with it. I will show you who you truly are on Sunday, so pipe down!”
Du Plessis maintained composure, “You’re claiming I’ve made this about something other than being the first African champion living here.”
Adesanya also criticized Du Plessis for his demeanor during the “Welcome to Country Ceremony.” “You couldn’t even pay respect to the local people,” he said. “I removed my shoes to connect with the community. What did you do? You just stood there glaring at me. Are you foolish? I’m not your subordinate!”
Du Plessis defended his stance, saying, “So you’re going to achieve what I did? Be the first African residing champion? That’s the reality here.”
When asked at the end of the press conference if he anticipated this from Du Plessis, Adesanya was visibly moved. “He touched a nerve because I fight for my family,” he said, tearing up. “I fight for my loved ones, and I will always stand up for them. I swear. I’m human, and I can show emotion and still be fierce in the ring. The crowd’s support means everything to me. The first time I fought here, at UFC 221 in February 2018, was a dream come true. On Sunday, I’ll make sure to shatter your dreams!”