In a recent online interview with CBS Sports’ Shakiel Majhouri on the SHAK MMA YouTube channel, Dricus Du Plessis addressed the ongoing feud between him and UFC Middleweight Champion Israel Adesanya.

Du Plessis, getting ready for his fight against Robert Whittaker, actively discussed multiple topics. These included his opponent, cardio improvements, and his thoughts on the Adesanya controversy. Despite Adesanya’s history of controversies and feuds, ‘Stillknocks’ expressed indifference towards their current disagreement.

Israel Adesanya has a responsibility as a champion, according to Dricus Du Plessis

The feud between the two fighters began when a clip from a press conference interview featuring Du Plessis went viral. Adesanya responded to these comments in other interviews and podcasts. Wherein he expressed his belief that Du Plessis claiming to be the true African champion was disrespectful.

However, during the recent interview, Du Plessis clarified, “I didn’t say that, I simply said, I am the fighter that resides…The African Fighter that still resides in Africa. That’s what I said.” He further expressed his confusion regarding why anyone would be offended by his statement. As he believes it was a factual representation.

Du Plessis made it clear that his current focus was on defeating Robert Whittaker, and any consequences arising from the feud would be addressed after the fight.

Read More: Amid ‘Real African’ Debate With Israel Adesanya, Dricus Du Plessis Gets Brutally Put Down by Fellow Middleweight Ahead of Robert Whittaker Fight

Expressing his disappointment, Du Plessis criticized Adesanya for introducing race into the conversation. He remarked, “I think the fact Israel Adesanya brought race into the conversation… I thought that was disgusting, that was terrible.” Although Du Plessis remained unaffected by any racial slurs directed towards him, he believed that as a champion, Adesanya had a responsibility to set a better example.

Adesanya and the 3 African Champions Era in the UFC

The rise of African fighters in the UFC, including Francis Ngannou from Cameroon, Kamaru Usman, and Israel Adesanya from Nigeria, played a significant role in the sport. After his title defense against Marvin Vettori at UFC 263, Adesanya took to social media to celebrate the trio’s achievements, stating, “An era in the history of sports that will never be forgotten….There are 600+ active UFC fighters. Less than 30 of us are Africans. Yet 3 of us are Champions. More than AMAZING!! The new #blackmurderersrow.”

Kamaru Usman was the first to claim a title as an African-origin fighter. He won the welterweight championship from Tyron Woodley at UFC 235. He later supported Francis Ngannou in his quest to become the first African-born heavyweight champion by being in Ngannou’s corner during his title-winning fight against Stipe Miocic at UFC 260.

Let us know in the comments below who among the 3 champions had an impact on your MMA fandom. And what do you think about Israel Adesanya and his responsibility as a champion in the UFC?

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