Israel Adesanya “was ready to call it quits” after beating Alex Pereira, alleges Dricus du Plessis
Dricus du Plessis is preparing to take on Israel Adesanya in a highly anticipated clash at UFC 305 in Perth, Australia. As part of the fight's build-up, the pair shared a faceoff last week, where the tension between them was on full display.
Their faceoff extended well over the one-minute mark, after which 'Stillknocks' claimed he felt 'The Last Stylebender' was trying to convince himself he still wants to be in the UFC.
Du Plessis was adamant that Adesanya's incredible UFC 287 win over Alex Pereira was the capstone of a historic middleweight career. He stated that the Nigerian-born Kiwi was ready to lay down his gloves after exacting revenge on his career foe.
The middleweight champion believes that Adesanya is questioning his desire to keep competing after achieving an immense amount in his UFC tenure. 'Stillknocks' was recently interviewed by Hello Sport, where he shared his thoughts on the faceoff with his upcoming opponent, saying:
"His biggest achievement, for him personally, was beating Alex Pereira. He had this nemisis who'd beaten him multiple times. After that fight he was ready to call it quits. That's what I saw in his eyes as well. Trying to convince me, but more himself, that he still wants to do this. And that he still has what it takes to be the best fighter in the world."
Watch Dricus du Plessis' interview below (8:30):
Dricus du Plessis eager to bring "chaos" to Israel Adesanya at UFC 305
Israel Adesanya and Dricus du Plessis will enter the UFC 305 clash with plenty of motivation for victory.
'Stillknocks' entered the promotion in late-2020, during Adesanya's first title reign. But the South African's remarks about hoping to become the "first real African champion" did not sit well with 'The Last Stylebender'.
The then-champion shared some heated words with Du Plessis, and the simmering tension will provide a fitting backdrop for what should by a violent fight.
The middleweight king was recently interviewed by Submission Radio where he shared an exciting preview for the clash, saying this:
"He has a whole demeanor shift because he's changed in his life. Honestly, I don't think he wants to be here. He talks about being at peace the whole time, well, while he's at peace, I represent chaos. Peace hates chaos, and I promise you when we're in that octagon, he will know nothing about peace. He will only know chaos."
Watch Dricus du Plessis' interview below (14:00):