Du Plessis Makes Adesanya Cry
Israel Adesanya broke down in tears during a fiery presser with Dricus du Plessis as they face off on Saturday in their middleweight clash.
Du Plessis defends his belt for the first time at UFC 305, a title he acquired with a win over Sean Strickland. It was a controversial split decision, with many believing Sean should have gotten the win. Talks over a rematch took place, but it never materialized. Strickland has since then put himself back into title contention. He defeated Paulo Costa at UFC 302. White has now said the winner of Du Plessis-Adesanya must fight Sean next.
As for Adesanya, he has his motives for rematching Strickland. He lost his middleweight title to Sean at UFC 293. He took a break from the sport, with question marks over whether he will fight next. But that has been put to bed with the bad blood during the Du Plessis build-up.
Izzy was unhappy with the South African’s comments after he stated he would be the first African to win a belt. This was an attack on Izzy. He was born in Nigeria but currently lives in New Zealand. Du Plessis cleared up his comments to state he would be the first African who lives in the region to win a title. Adesanya got emotional during the presser, even showing signs of tears. Both had plenty to say about each other at the presser.
Presser
Quotes
Izzy: On Tuesday, I’m going back to Nigeria, I think Friday I’m going to South Africa and then I’m back to New Zealand. I’m a child of the earth.”
Du Plessis: Are you taking the servants with you when you are going back? Are you taking the servants with you?
Izzy: What are you even on about? Bro shut up, you don’t know anything about my story.
Du Plessis: I don’t care about your story.
Izzy: Listen, my father and myself had to wake up at 4am and clean the banks while my mum studied to be a nurse. You don’t know my story. Don’t speak of my story if you don’t know my story. I will show you who you are on Sunday so right now, shut up.
Du Plessis: I can’t wait. I can’t wait. You’re talking about that I made it about anything else for being the first residing African champion.
Izzy: You couldn’t even respect the people of the land. You were the one not even doing anything. I took my shoes off to connect with the people, with the mob. What did you do? Just stand there and mean mug me.
Du Plessis: My man.
Izzy: I’m not your man.
Du Plessis: I’m the first residing African champion. You can’t change the fact. You can’t change those facts.
Full Card
Dricus du Plessis (c) vs. Israel Adesanya for the UFC middleweight title
Kai Kara-France vs. Steve Erceg; flyweight
Mateusz Gamrot vs. Dan Hooker; lightweight
Tai Tuivasa vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik; heavyweight
Li Jingliang vs. Carlos Prates; welterweight
Prelims
Junior Tafa vs. Valter Walker; heavyweight
Josh Culibao vs. Ricardo Ramos; featherweight
Casey O’Neill vs. Luana Santos; flyweight
Jack Jenkins vs. Herbert Burns; featherweight
Early Prelims
Tom Nolan vs. Alex Reyes; lightweight
Song Kenan vs. Ricky Glenn; welterweight
Stewart Nicoll vs. Jesus Aguilar; flyweight
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