Du Plessis Reacts After Defeating Adesanya, Apologises for Disrespecting Him

Du Plessis Reacts After Defeating Adesanya, Apologises for Disrespecting Him

  • Dricus du Plessis has shared his thoughts after his victory over Nigeria's Israel Adesanya in the UFC Middleweight title bout in Australia
  • The South African fighter retained the championship belt after the Nigerian-born MMA star tapped out in the fourth round
  • The 30-year-old also apologised for one the statements he made about Adesanya before the fight on Sunday

South Africa's Dricus du Plessis has retained his UFC Middleweight Championship title after defeating New Zealander fighter Israel Adesanya in the early hours of Sunday morning.

The 30-year-old successfully made the first defence of the middleweight title in the UFC 305 at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia.

Du Plessis won the fight in the fourth round after a closed encounter in the first three rounds. He forced Adesanya to tap out after securing a naked choke.

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Dricus Du Plessis fights Israel Adesanya in the middleweight championship fight during UFC 305 at RAC Arena on August 18, 2024 in Perth, Australia. Photo: Paul Kane.
Dricus Du Plessis fights Israel Adesanya in the middleweight championship fight during UFC 305 at RAC Arena on August 18, 2024 in Perth, Australia. Photo: Paul Kane.
Source: UGC

Du Plessis reacts to his win over Adesanya

According to the Independent, Du Plessis has commented on his victory over Adesanya in Australia and apologised for one of his statements about the Nigerian-born fighter before the bout.

"[Adesanya] is one of the greatest strikers ever in this division," he said.
"I needed that takedown, and got it. At this stage, it's tough to keep people down. This man is the king of getting back up; nobody can take him down and keep him there."

Du Plessis went on to apologise to Adesanya for disrespecting him before the fight, acknowledging that an African would've won the fight regardless of the winner.

"I'm sorry that it came across that I disrespected the fact that he's from Africa; that was never my intention," he added.

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How Du Plessis won the UFC middleweight title fight against Adesanya

"Africa would have won either way this night. I have the maximum respect for him, warrior to warrior."

Mzansi react as Du Plessis defeats Adesanya

YEN.com.gh earlier reported on South African fans sharing their thoughts after Du Plessis defeated Adesanya in a thrilling fight at the UFC 305.

The Nigeria-born fighter was tipped as favourites to reclaim the title by bookies, but Dricus proved all doubters wrong to retain the belt.

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Source: Briefly.co.za

Authors:
Richard Nutakor avatar

Richard Nutakor (Sports Editor) Richard Kekeli is a digital media enthusiast with over 8 years of working experience in media and digital. He's worked with notable media brands in Ghana like Media General, owners of TV3 Ghana, 3FM, Onua FM & Connect FM. He's also worked with Global Media Alliance as a Digital Account Manager. He obtained a Bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of Ghana in 2016 and a Masters in Brands and Communication Management from the University of Professional Studies, Accra. Email: richard.kekeli@sportsbrief.com