The entire world of mixed martial arts held their breath as the press conference for UFC 305 introduced  Israel Adesanya and Dricus du Plessis to the stage as they would finally get to settle the ‘real African’ debate in the main event. But as the press conference for UFC 305 proceeded, the fierce debate was reignited.

About a year ago, Du Plessis began the debate as he quoted, “Did those belts ever go to Africa?” Needless to say, his words impacted Adesanya and the rivalry between the duo commenced. But what does Adesanya think of the tension between them now? Let’s find out.

Israel Adesanya and Dricus Du Plessis reignite the ‘Real African’ debate at UFC 305 press conference

As the press conference proceeded, one of the reporters asked Adesanya about the tension between him and Du Plessis. Without a doubt, it all pointed towards the ‘real African’ debate that has been going on for quite a while now. Adesanya, pointed out that DDP tried to discredit him, Kamaru Usman, and Francis Ngannou, as African champions. 

‘The Last Stylebender’ said, “He tried to discredit the three kings and say that he is the real true African Champion, and I was like, ‘It’s a weird mindset, bro, like, he came into the UFC, I knew who he was a little bit. But I didn’t go over the f*** this fake dude coming in.’ I just, so cool, he’s not African in the UFC. But then him discrediting me, Francis Ngannou, Kamaru Usman, that took me off a little bit. So, that’s what started this. But again, I’ll finish it.”

But Du Plessis wasn’t one to keep quiet. As the reporter asked for a response from the current middleweight champion, he claimed that he was simply stating the facts. He claimed that he was born, resided, and trained at South Africa. This made him a true African. However, he didn’t seem to care what Adesanya thought of his words. ‘Stillknocks’ replied, “And as far as discrediting, never discredited anybody. Stating facts. Where do I reside? What’s my postal code? Where do I train? Where do I live, where was I born? In South Africa. Still there. Still training. And I want this belt from South Africa. I didn’t try anywhere else. That was the only thing I stated. So, never discredited anybody. Quite frankly, I don’t really care about how it rubbed him off the wrong way. I don’t, I don’t care.” 

But Adesanya wasn’t done. He responded with, “I don’t give a f*** where he’s from. But I’ll show him who he is.” Needless to say, the fight between DDP and Adesanya is indeed going to be one of the greatest spectacles of the year.

‘Stillknocks’ diluted the tension with ‘The Last Stylebender’

The current middleweight champion previously questioned if the MW belt ever went to Africa. But as the press conference for UFC 305 continued, the South African mixed martial artist decided to water down the flames between him and the former 2-time champion.

As the heat began to rise, Du Plessis disclosed that UFC 305 would be the first time when he would get the chance to defend his middleweight title. It would indeed be the first time when two Africans will headline the event. He claimed that it was an honor for him to be able to fight Adesanya, deeming him one of the greatest middleweights in the MMA promotion. Without a doubt, the fight between the duo is going to be one that can keep the fight fans glued to their seats till the very end.

What is your opinion on the tension between Du Plessis and Adesanya? Let us know what you think in the comments down below.