PERTH, Australia – Israel Adesanya expressed intense emotions while responding to Dricus Du Plessis ahead of their title fight at UFC 305.
A major point of contention leading up to the fight is Du Plessis’ assertion that he would be the first true African champion. Adesanya has repeatedly challenged this claim, but comments made by Du Plessis in a press conference seem to have particularly affected him.
Adesanya stated, “On Tuesday, I’m back in Nigeria, then on Friday I’m going to South Africa, and the following week I’ll return to New Zealand. I am a child of the earth, and when I take this belt, I’m taking it everywhere.”
Du Plessis interjected with a provocative remark, “Are you taking the servants with you when you’re going back?” This comment ignited a fiery response from Adesanya.
“What the f*ck are you even talking about?,” Adesanya shot back. He asserted his background, explaining, “Listen, my father and I had to wake up at 4 a.m. to clean banks while my mum studied to be a nurse. You don’t know my f*cking story. Don’t speak of it if you don’t know it!”
Du Plessis remained composed, asserting that he was focused on being recognized as the first African champion. Adesanya criticized Du Plessis for not showing respect during the “Welcome to Country Ceremony,” claiming he connected with the community by removing his shoes while Du Plessis merely tried to stare him down.
As the press conference concluded, Adesanya became emotional when discussing the motivation behind his fighting. “He touched a subject there because I do this for my family,” he said, fighting back tears. “I am a f*cking human being. I can cry and whoop your ass at the same time. I feel the love from the crowd. I’m going to f*cking kill your dreams, b*tch!”
This dramatic exchange has set the stage for their upcoming fight at UFC 305.