After UFC 305 in Perth, Australia, a touching backstage moment unfolded between UFC middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis and former champ Israel Adesanya. This emotional exchange came on the heels of Du Plessis’ impressive fourth-round submission win over Adesanya, which further solidified his status as a top middleweight contender.
Du Plessis, hailing from South Africa, delivered a standout performance, defying the odds and defeating Adesanya in his own territory. His victory not only spoiled Adesanya’s comeback but also highlighted why he’s seen as one of the best in the middleweight division.
Despite a competitive fight where Adesanya showed strong signs, it was Du Plessis who emerged victorious, leaving fans and analysts questioning what lies ahead for the former champion.
Their clash was heated, with personal jabs exchanged in the lead-up to the fight. At one point, Du Plessis even brought Adesanya to tears during a pre-fight press conference. However, the backstage encounter revealed a different side to their relationship.
After the fight, the animosity seemed to melt away. The two fighters showed genuine sportsmanship as they interacted. Du Plessis, in a gesture of goodwill, presented Adesanya with the jacket he wore during the press conference. “It was a gift for me from the Springboks captain and the South African captain,” Du Plessis explained as he handed over the African-themed jacket.
Dricus Du Plessis and Israel Adesanya Have a Heartfelt Backstage Exchange After UFC 305
Adesanya responded warmly, saying, “I did like it when I saw you wearing it.” The exchange was a significant contrast to their previous animosity, showcasing respect and camaraderie.
Their interaction didn’t end there. Du Plessis also took a moment to speak with Adesanya’s parents. He told them, “You guys are excellent parents. You’ve raised a great warrior. Thank you for raising a warrior.” This heartfelt comment underscored the respect Du Plessis has for Adesanya, despite their fierce rivalry.
The tension between them had roots in Du Plessis’ comments about being the first “African champion” in the UFC. This remark didn’t sit well with Adesanya, sparking a rivalry that fueled their fight buildup. However, Du Plessis used his Octagon interview to address and clarify any misunderstanding. “I’m really sorry that it came across that I disrespected the fact he’s from Africa. That was never my intention. Tonight, Africa won,” he stated, aiming to clear the air and emphasize his respect for Adesanya’s heritage.
