At UFC 305, Israel Adesanya is willing to do whatever it takes to make Dricus Du Plessis ‘respect’ The Three Kings.
On August 17, the gifted kickboxer will aim to wrap the middleweight title around his waist for a historic third time.
Israel Adesanya is honored to represent Nigeria at UFC 305
In front of his adoring fans at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia, Israel Adesanya will put it all on the line when he challenges Dricus Du Plessis for 185-pound supremacy.
The eagerly-anticipated clash serves as an all-African grudge match, with the pair of fighters prepared to go out there and represent their nations as well as claiming the bragging rights.
The two warriors have made no secret of their disdain for one another, trading verbal jibes at every single opportunity.
Over the last decade, Africa has produced an array of incredible mixed martial artists, with Francis Ngannou and Kamaru Usman joining the Lagos native as the continent’s first three champions.
Sheesh: Ben Askren wonders whether Jon Jones has some ‘dirt’ on Dana White
However, he believes that his South African nemesis doesn’t give those who’ve come before him the respect they deserve.
Therefore, he claims this fight is not just about Nigeria, but about putting his arch-rival in his place.
In an exclusive interview with Bloody Elbow, he said: “For me, this fight is bigger than myself. It’s bigger than any one country. This is about the world. This is about learning to take accountability for what you’ve said. That’s what I intend to do on fight night: make him take accountability for how he got this fight.
“Those who’ve paved the way for you should be respected. I respected the people who paved the way for me. He wouldn’t even be champion without us—The Three Kings. He should be grateful. I’ll make sure he is.”
Israel Adesanya reveals the wildest memory from his kickboxing career
Long before Adesanya ever competed in the octagon, he was demolishing fighters on the world stage in Glory kickboxing.
In his esteemed career, he competed around the globe, picking up victories in the USA and Turkey. Thus, it comes as no surprise that he made a lot of memories along the way.
However, there’s one moment that stands out more than any other.
In an exclusive interview with Bloody Elbow, he recounted a promoter knocking on his door in the middle of the night in China and inviting him to hang out with a very interesting individual.
WOW: Chad Mendes reveals horrifying physical side effects he was left with after fighting Jose Aldo