Israel Adesanya believes he and other African champions like Kamaru Usman and Francis Ngannou paved the way for D'Oricus du Plessis.
It's no secret that “The Last Stylebender” isn't too fond of the new middleweight world champion, especially after du Plessis announced he would become the UFC's first true African champion. Adesanya, who was born in Nigeria but immigrated to New Zealand at the age of 10, took exception to that comment and engaged in a racist showdown with “Stillknox” at UFC 290.
The two were expected to meet in late 2023 or early 2024, but Sean Strickland delivered a major twist to those plans with a decisive decision victory over Adesanya to win the 185-pound title.
Four months later, “Tarzan” relinquished the belt to du Plessis, and although the tables were turned, the stage was once again set for an epic showdown between the two African stars.
Speaking about his tense feud with Du Plessis, Adesanya claimed that he, along with other African superstars, walked inside the Octagon to allow DDP to run.
“I paved the way for him,” Adesanya said on The MMA Hour. “If it wasn't for me, one of the great African champions, he wouldn't be here. He paved the way for this.”
Israel Adesanya claims South Africans are his people
No official date has been set for the inevitable showdown between Adesanya and du Plessis, but 'Stillnox' is working hard to get the fight to a close in his native South Africa.
Asked about the possibility of fighting DDP in his home state, the 'Stylebender' clarified that South Africans are his own people.
“Of course they are my countrymen,” Adesanya said when asked if he plans to fight in South Africa. “I don't care about the cheers. They are my people. I know more about South African culture than he does. I can guarantee you that. People tell me, people know. When you go there, , the body language, the dancers, the atmosphere. If I go there, they'll know it and say I'm their buddy.”
Check out Israel Adesanya's full appearance on The MMA Hour below.
