After UFC 305, where Israel Adesanya faced a tough defeat against Dricus du Plessis, fans might have expected a heated response. Instead, Adesanya surprised many with a supportive and positive response after the loss. The middleweight champion, known for his fierce in-cage persona, showed a softer side post-fight.
Adesanya acknowledged Du Plessis’ victory and the significance of the moment. His words were both gracious and inspirational, capturing the essence of sportsmanship as he penned a beautiful message for the reigning champion.
“I’m happy I got to fight again, appreciate all the energy from yous. Congrats @dricusduplessis, thank you for your honest words and speaking your truth. No matter what, Africa won tonight! DDP, you have the torch…light the fire and inspire!” wrote Adesanya on X.
The duo had intense moments when they entered the fight but came out of it with respect for each other. Du Plessis, for his part, also praised the former champion for being an icon of the sport.
The message from Israel Adesanya stood out not just for its positivity but also for its humility. ‘The Last Stylebender,’ who is widely regarded as one of the best strikers in UFC history, faced a defeat that could have been a bitter pill. Instead, he celebrated his opponent’s success and encouraged him to carry forward the legacy.
Israel Adesanya Is Now A ‘Fan’ Of Dricus Du Plessis
Fierce rivalries in MMA often end in bitter feelings. Just look at Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov, Daniel Cormier and Jon Jones, and many more. However, it was a different scenario this time. Following their intense clash at UFC 305, Adesanya has revealed a newfound admiration for Du Plessis.
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Adesanya stepped into the octagon in Perth, Australia, with hopes of reclaiming the UFC Middleweight title. However, du Plessis, the reigning champion, proved his mettle by making Adesanya tap out in the main event. However, in a post-fight press conference, Adesanya spoke candidly about his respect for du Plessis.
‘He [du Plessis] gave me a lot of respect in there, and I gave him respect back. And I already knew he was a fan of me, but yes, now I am a fan of his…so respect is always there, and Dricus is an African champion,’ said Adesanya.
The bout itself was charged with pre-fight banter and tension. Adesanya and du Plessis even joked about their next encounter, saying they could hang out but would “kill each other” in their next match-up. Israel Adesanya’s recent comments about Dricus du Plessis offer a refreshing change and prove that even in a combat sport like UFC, there’s room for respect and sportsmanship.
