For the first time since losing his title to Sean Strickland last year, Nigeria-born New Zealand-based UFC fighter, Israel Adesanya, is set return to the ring.

Adesanya, a middleweight contender and champion Dricus du Plessis took time off to break down controversies surrounding their long time rivalry ahead of the clash at UFC 305 on August 17, 2024. The fight marks Adesanyas attempt to reclaim the title he lost to Sean Strickland last year.

The animosity between Adesanya and Du Plessis stemmed from comments made by the latter in 2023. ˜Stillknocks argued that fighters like Adesanya, Kamaru Usman, and Francis Ngannou shouldnt be considered African champions since they train and live elsewhere.

This viewpoint irked Adesanya, the Stylebender, who believes Du Plessis is downplaying their achievements.In the recent UFC 305 presser, Adesanya criticized Du Plessis stance, saying: He tried to discredit the three kings and say that he is the real true African champion, and I was like, ˜Its a weird mindset, bro, like, he came into the UFC, I knew who he was a little bit. But I didnt go over the f*** this fake dude coming in.

I just, so cool, hes not African in the UFC. But then him discrediting me, Francis Ngannou, Kamaru Usman, that took me off a little bit. So, thats what started this. But again, Ill finish it.

Du Plessis, however, maintained he wasnt disrespectful, simply stating facts. He said: And as far as discrediting, never discredited anybody. Stating facts. Where do I reside? Whats 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 didnt try anywhere else. That was the only thing I stated. So, never discredited anybody. Quite frankly, I dont really care about how it rubbed him off the wrong way. I dont, I dont care.

The South African sees his upcoming fight with Adesanya as a chance to solidify himself among the UFC middleweight divisions all-time greats.

Adesanya, a former champion himself, boasts a decorated career within the weight class. Du Plessis, while acknowledging the same, emphasised the fights significance for his own legacy:

Im fighting against arguably one of the greatest middleweights ever, and I have to go out there and prove that I am that guy. Thats what this fight is going to mean to me. Its going to mean I told you I belong here. This fight is going to mean that Dricus du Plessis is now in the conversation of being one of the greatest middleweights ever.