"NEVER beating the allegations" - Fans react to Israel Adesanya's NSFW "real African champion" comparison with Dricus du Plessis
Israel Adesanya recently made a cutting "real African champion" comparison directed at Dricus du Plessis. 'The Last Stylebender' is gearing up to challenge the reigning middleweight champion in the main event of UFC 305 this weekend at the RAC Arena in Perth, Western Australia.
Adesanya and du Plessis find themselves at the heart of one of the UFC's most intense rivalries in recent memory. The tension initially erupted when 'Stillknocks' stated that he wanted to become the first African champion who trains and resides on the continent, unlike former champions Adesanya, Kamaru Usman, and Francis Ngannou.
The 30-year-old South African vowed to become the "first true UFC African champion," and he delivered on that promise by defeating Sean Strickland with a split-decision win at UFC 297 this past January.
As the two fighters prepare to settle their score in the octagon this weekend, 'The Last Stylebender' recently took to X, posting a below-the-belt image comparing his physique to that of du Plessis. The image was accompanied by the caption:
"So you're telling me you're the real African champion..."
Check out Israel Adesanya's post below:
Fans responded to Adesanya's post with a mix of reactions, with many taking shots at the former UFC middleweight champion for his polarizing views.
One fan wrote:
"God, someone take his phone away, plz."
Another wrote:
"NEVER beating the allegations."
Another commented:
"DDP [du Plessis] doesn't have 'championship material'."
Check out some more reactions below:
When Israel Adesanya delivered a profanity-laced rant questioning Dricus du Plessis' African roots
The simmering tension between Israel Adesanya and Dricus du Plessis reached new heights after 'Stillknocks' secured a stoppage victory over Robert Whittaker at UFC 290 in July 2023. In a charged moment, 'The Last Stylebender' entered the octagon and unleashed a torrent of profanities at du Plessis.
Although both fighters managed to avoid coming to blows, Adesanya initially urged the South African native to keep his cool as they stood face to face; however, his demeanor quickly changed. He said:
"This is my African brother right here; let's go, ni**a, what's up, b*tch? Let's go ni**a, here ni**a. Wassup ni**a? Yeah, my African brother!"
The South African responded:
"I'm African, but I ain't no brother of yours, son. What do you say to everybody in New Zealand? What do you say?"
Adesanya fired back:
"I don't need a DNA test to know where I'm from. If they do a [DNA test], it'll say I'm from Nigeria. Do a DNA test. It'll tell you where you're from."
Check out the heated conversation between Israel Adesanya and Dricus du Plessis below (2:18):