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Israel Adesanya is confident of garnering local support in his upcoming showdown against Dricus du Plessis, expressing his deep connection with the people of South Africa. Adesanya, also known as 'The Last Stylebender,' anticipates a warm reception from the South African crowd as he gears up to face du Plessis in what promises to be a thrilling encounter.
Adesanya's return to the octagon comes after a hiatus following his unanimous decision loss to Sean Strickland last September. Despite initially planning a break from MMA, Adesanya found himself linked to a middleweight clash with champion Dricus du Plessis slated for August.
Du Plessis, also known as 'Stillknocks,' clinched the title from Strickland in January and is eager to defend his crown on home soil.
While UFC 305 is scheduled to take place in Australia, Adesanya expressed his willingness to face du Plessis in South Africa, confident in his connection with the country and its people. In an interview on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, Adesanya left no room for doubt regarding his allegiance, stating,
"Of course. Those are my people."
Adesanya's sentiment underscores the deep-rooted rivalry between him and du Plessis, which ignited when du Plessis claimed his desire to become the "real first African champ."
Adesanya, feeling slighted by the remarks, has since engaged in a feud with du Plessis, culminating in the highly anticipated showdown set to captivate MMA fans worldwide.