Israel Adesanya currently undergoing intense underwater training to reclaim middleweight title from Dricus du Plessis at UFC 305
Israel Adesanya is employing innovative training methods to prepare for the upcoming title fight. The Nigerian-Kiwi fighter took an extended break from competition after losing the middleweight title to Sean Strickland in September 2023. He will return to challenge current champion Dricus du Plessis at UFC 305 on Aug. 17.
Adesanya previously mentioned that he added new components to his training during the break from competition. Glimpses of his new training methods were seen in a recent social media video where Adesanya trained underwater.
Check out the video below:
According to many sources, underwater training is beneficial for combat sports athletes to build endurance, strength, and lung capacity without putting a lot of stress on the joints. Some even claim that it can help with faster recovery.
Adesanya is a betting favorite heading into the UFC 305 showdown with Du Plessis. However, 'Stillknocks' has defied the odds in both of his most recent fights, against Robert Whittaker and Sean Strickland but successfully captured the 185-pound strap.
Adesanya, who developed a bitter rivalry with Du Plessis after the latter claimed the status of being the "first African UFC champion," has promised to show the new wrinkles he has added to his game during the time off.
Israel Adesanya wants Dricus du Plessis' head as a trophy: "F* the belt"
A potential win over Dricus du Plessis at UFC 305 will make Israel Adesanya the first three-time middleweight champion in the promotion's history. However, winning another title does not seem to excite the 35-year-old.
While Du Plessis' stance on being the first African UFC champion does not sit well with Adesanya, he is not holding a grudge against the South African. In a recent appearance on The Rock, Adesanya said:
"For me, it's not about anything personal. I just want to take his head off and add that to my mantle piece. that will be the trophy I will take from this fight. F* the belt."
Check out Israel Adesanya's comments below (5:26):