Dana White reacts to Dricus du Plessis beating Israel Adesanya at UFC 305: "He fights like a white guy dances"
Dricus du Plessis' victory over Israel Adesanya at UFC 305 has drawn praise from Dana White. White acknowledged Adesanya's strong performance but highlighted the South African champion's unique and effective fighting style.
The fight was a thrilling back-and-forth affair, with Adesanya enjoying success with his body-work and takedown defense before du Plessis ultimately found the submission in the fourth frame with a rear-naked choke.
Following the latest episode of 'Dana White's Contender Series,' the UFC CEO had this to say about the UFC 305 main event:
“I thought that Israel looked incredible. Dricus is so awkward and unorthodox. He's got to be the toughest guy to train for. He fights like a white guy dances [laughs]. It's so crazy and awkward, and you know what I mean? But very effective."
Check out Dana White's comments below:
The result was a bitter pill to swallow for Adesanya, who was aiming to become a three-time UFC middleweight champion. On the other hand, du Plessis is riding a wave of momentum and still hasn't tasted defeat in the UFC. With victories over Adesanya, Sean Strickland, and Robert Whittaker, he has established himself as a formidable force in the middleweight division.
Dricus du Plessis reveals strategy behind Israel Adesanya victory
Dricus du Plessis has shed light on the tactics that propelled him to victory against Israel Adesanya at UFC 305.
In his post-fight interview, du Plessis revealed that his team anticipated Adesanya's aggressive approach. Instead of retreating, 'Stillknocks' strategically stood his ground, allowing Adesanya to expend energy.
“So every round, you can [see] at the beginning of that round I was standing my ground, but he was in the middle of the octagon, and he was almost dictating. But if you’re not used to fighting like that, you get more tired, if you’re not used fighting with that kind of pressure. And I didn’t back off. I wasn’t fighting on the outside, I just stood my ground. And every round, around two minutes [left] my coach would shout, ‘Listen, it’s time to go!’ And I would start pushing forward, start pushing forward.”
The South African's strategy paid off. He gradually wore Adesanya down, seizing the opportunity to push forward, hurt 'The Last Stylebender' on the feet before forcing a grappling exchange and finding the submission.
Check out Dricus du Plessis' comments below (1:44):