Dricus du Plessis questions Israel Adesanya’s motivations to battle
In a current interview with Submission Radio, du Plessis mirrored on his first pre-fight face-to-face with Adesanya.
“His demeanor round this entire battle, this man is attempting to persuade himself that he nonetheless desires to be right here,” Du Plessis stated. “In saying that, he has performed a lot for the game. ‘It’s not about titles anymore’…he’ll by no means get what he had once more. There’s not sufficient time, and he’s already performed what he did on this sport when it comes to legacy. He’s speaking about a lot outdoors of the game, as a substitute of inside the game…I feel that is him attempting to persuade himself that he nonetheless desires to do that, that he nonetheless has what it takes…
“I’m right here simply to indicate him that he’s not. Take pleasure in your golf, I’m the brand new champion and I’m the brand new king of this division, and I’m gonna ensure that he is aware of that.”
Du Plessis captured the UFC middleweight title by defeating Strickland at UFC 297 earlier this 12 months. He’s received 9 consecutive fights, together with finishes of Robert Whittaker and Derek Brunson.
Earlier than the loss to Strickland, Adesanya recaptured the UFC middleweight title by knocking out Alex Pereira at UFC 287. He’s trying to reassert himself as one of many prime pound-for-pound fighters.
Du Plessis vs. Adesanya is among the largest fights of the 12 months, and the warmth is beginning to construct as battle evening approaches.