“Something to Do With Him and His Team” – Accusations Laid Out by Israel Adesanya’s Camp as Coach Rips Dricus Du Plessis With Defiant Promise

With a dominant win over Robert Whittaker, many believed Dricus Du Plessis would be the next in line to fight UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya for the title. The champion even confronted the South African in the cage after his big win over ex-champ Robert Whittaker at UFC 290, setting the stage for a future matchup. Both fighters were expected to share the octagon at UFC 293 in September, marking the organization’s return to Sydney.

However, an injury reportedly suffered by Du Plessis led to his withdrawal from the anticipated matchup. And subsequently, the announcement was made regarding the Adesanya vs. Strickland bout. Eugene Bareman, head coach of Israel Adesanya, in a recent interview, discussed the situation involving Dricus Du Plessis and the fight that ultimately failed to materialize.

Dricus Du Plessis Has To Fight Someone Else

Ahead of UFC 293, City Kickboxing head coach Eugene Bareman appeared on ‘Submission Radio’ and talked about his disciple’s upcoming fight. The host asked ‘Izzy’s coach about any disappointment concerning Du Plessis not being able to participate in the fight, seeking clarity on whether there was a sense of letdown due to the South African’s inability to take part in the match. Bareman, in a straightforward tone, replied, “It is what it is.”

Eugene continued and said, “He (Du Plessis) didn’t want to, um, he didn’t want to push through his injury, so it doesn’t matter to me. He just… that’s something to do with him and his team, and he has to go back and fight someone else.”

The Middleweight Title Clash

Israel Adesanya (24-2) is a two-time UFC champion who recaptured his middleweight title in his last fight with a second-round knockout of Alex Pereira in April 2023. The 34-year-old native of Nigeria racked up five consecutive defenses of his belt, starting from 2019 to 2022 during his first title reign. Adesanya has fought and defeated top middleweight fighters, including Robert Whittaker (twice), Marvin Vettori, Paulo Costa, and more, in his illustrious career.

Read more: “B***a* F**k. You Wouldn’t Have” – Despite Controversy After Offensive Rant, Israel Adesanya Directs Stinging Accusations at Dricus Du Plessis

His opponent, Sean Strickland (27-5), known for his controversial statements and unwavering opinions, is coming off victories in consecutive fights against Nassourdine Imavov and Abusupiyan Magomedov, effectively recovering from his losses to Pereira and Jared Cannonier. These defeats marked Strickland’s first-ever two-fight losing streak in his career. Additionally, his list of accomplishments includes

Among the top middleweight fighters, Strickland holds noteworthy UFC wins over Brendan Allen, Jack Hermansson, and Uriah Hall.

Both fighters bring their unique strengths and narratives to the octagon. Who do you think will have the title at UFC 293? Adesanya or Strickland? Comment below.

Watch this story: Warrior Dricus Du Plessis Mocks Little Child Israel Adesanya Amid Real African Debate