UFC middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis from South Africa has responded to comments made by former middleweight champion Israel Adesanya, who is currently residing in New Zealand.
Previously, Adesanya claimed that Du Plessis has a "colonial mindset" and criticized him for referring to himself as the first "real" champion from Africa.
Du Plessis said in an interview with ShakMMA:
It seems like if it was my goal to get into his head, it worked out pretty well because of the fact that they’re saying that. But it wasn’t at all what I was doing but now I know what they think of it… I don’t care if it’s got taken out of context… I’m happy I got a double whammy on that.
The fight between Du Plessis and Adesanya will headline UFC 305, taking place on August 17 at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia.
Du Plessis last fought in January 2024 at UFC 297, where he won a split decision against Sean Strickland. He holds a record of 21 wins and 2 losses.
Adesanya has not fought in the octagon since September 2023, when he lost to Sean Strickland by unanimous decision at UFC 293. His record stands at 24 wins and 3 losses.