Tag: UFC 305

Dricus Du Plessis Warns Israel Adesanya Being At Peace Will Cost Him At UFC 305: ‘It’s A Dangerous Place To Be At…’

Dricus Du Plessis recently said that he sensed Israel Adesanya was ready to hang up his gloves after avenging his loss to Alex Pereira, feeling as though he had accomplished everything he set out to achieve in the sport. “Stillknocks” is set to defend his middleweight title for the first time against the former longtime […]

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Dricus Du Plessis recently said that he sensed Israel Adesanya was ready to hang up his gloves after avenging his loss to Alex Pereira, feeling as though he had accomplished everything he set out to achieve in the sport.

“Stillknocks” is set to defend his middleweight title for the first time against the former longtime champion, Adesanya, in the main event of UFC 305. The eagerly awaited clash is scheduled for August 17 at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia.

“The Last Stylebender” is set to make his return to the Octagon after an 11-month hiatus, the longest of his UFC career. Following his title loss to Sean Strickland at UFC 293 last September, Adesanya took a self-imposed break to focus on his mental health.

The Nigerian-born Kiwi is currently enduring the toughest period of his career since his failed bid for the light heavyweight title against then-champion Jan Blachowicz at UFC 259. Three fights later, Adesanya suffered his first middleweight loss, a fifth-round TKO at the hands of longtime rival Alex Pereira at UFC 281.

However, he made a triumphant comeback by reclaiming the middleweight title from “Poatan” in a rematch at UFC 287, and Du Plessis believes this victory marks the peak of Adesanya’s career.

In a recent interview with Hello Sport, the reigning UFC middleweight champion reflected on his faceoff with Adesanya at the UFC 305 on-sale press conference. The South African expressed respect for “The Last Stylebender’s” achievements but sensed that Adesanya is pushing himself too hard for the upcoming fight.

“When it comes to the title defenses, the winning streaks will never come because he doesn’t have the time, Du Plessis said. “I think his biggest achievement for him personally was beating Alex Pereira. He had this nemesis who had beaten him multiple times, and after that fight, he [Adesanya] was ready to call it quits.

“That’s what I saw in his eyes as well. [He was] trying to convince me but more so trying to convince himself that he still wants to do this and that he still has what it takes to be the best fighter in the world and as soon as you ask yourself that question – you’re in a dark place.”

Adesanya and Pereira’s rivalry stands as one of the most intense and storied in combat sports history, with “Poatan” seemingly having shattered his opponent both physically and mentally – only to suffer a brutal knockout in their latest scrap.

The Brazilian defeated Adesanya twice in kickboxing, and the two have each claimed a victory each in their UFC showdowns.

Dricus Du Plessis Says Being At Peace Heading Into UFC 305 ‘Dangerous’ For Israel Adesanya

Adesanya previously stated that the layoff allowed him to regroup and alleviate the pressure of constantly fighting and enduring the demands of fight camps.

However, “Stillknocks” cautioned that a layoff isn’t always beneficial for a fighter. During the interview, Du Plessis suggested that an extended break could foster self-doubt and asserted that when he faces Adesanya in the Octagon, he will ensure his opponent never finds his momentum.

“The time off is not necessarily the problem; it can be good, but it can be bad… When you get to the position where you are so comfortable, where he said he’s at peace, he’s happy with what he has, and it’s a dangerous place to be at because this sport is chaos and chaos is the exact opposite of peace.

“If you’re at peace and you’re getting in the Octagon with me, it’s going to be a problem because I bring chaos.”

Du Plessis and Adesanya have a tumultuous history, with their fates intertwined long before their dramatic altercation at UFC 290 last July. Their rivalry dates back to when “The Last Stylebender” reigned as middleweight champion, and Du Plessis called him out, vowing to become a true African champion and bring the belt back to the continent.

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Israel Adesanya Explains How He’ll Deal With Dricus Du Plessis’ ‘Uniqueness’ At UFC 305

Israel Adesanya is returning to the Octagon to face Dricus Du Plessis for the UFC middleweight championship at UFC 305 in Perth. Last September, he lost the title to Sean Strickland in a huge upset and awaits to finally settle his rivalry with “Stillknocks.” On his rather quick path to becoming the kingpin, Du Plessis […]

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Israel Adesanya is returning to the Octagon to face Dricus Du Plessis for the UFC middleweight championship at UFC 305 in Perth. Last September, he lost the title to Sean Strickland in a huge upset and awaits to finally settle his rivalry with “Stillknocks.”

On his rather quick path to becoming the kingpin, Du Plessis defeated the likes of Robert Whittaker, Derek Brunson, and Darren Till. With his unusual grappling style and striking, which were initially doubted heavily by many MMA enthusiasts, he’s become a hard nut to crack in the middleweight division.

Here’s how Adesanya, one of the most celebrated strikers ever, plans to counter Du Plessis’ unique style at UFC 305…

Israel Adesanya Aims To Stick To His Classic Style To Beat Dricus Du Plessis At UFC 305

Adesanya recently appeared in an interview uploaded on The Sias du Plessis Show YouTube channel. The former two-time UFC middleweight champion seemed unbothered by his next opponent’s unpredictable style and physicality.

“The Last Stylebender” remembered his KO win over Alex Pereira, who appeared to hold a size advantage over all middleweights in the UFC. Accordingly, Du Plessis’ size and unorthodox style on fight night won’t compel Adesanya to change his strategy.

“I fought the largest middleweight, Alex Pereira, and I knocked him out,” Adesanya said. “How am I gonna deal with Dricus’ uniqueness? It’s just be unique myself. Be unique to who I am. Never again will I ever stray away from my style or my flow just because I wanna do something different or pander or anything like that.”

Adesanya also revealed that he plans to fight like his usual self at UFC 305. Fans can expect him to maintain distance and attempt to piece up Du Plessis from the outside with clean strikes if this is true.

“I’m always gonna stick to my style and stick to what I do best, which is beating people up in fantastic fashion. And, yeah, I’ve done that my whole career, and I wanna get back to that,” Adesanya added. “I’m not really worried about the outcome. It’s more about the journey.”

The Nigerian-New Zealander repeatedly mentioned that he wants to enjoy the process rather than worry about the outcome of his fight with Du Plessis.

Will this mindset, accompanied by his classic striking style, be enough to reclaim gold at UFC 305? Only time will tell.

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Israel Adesanya vows to beat opponents in ‘Fantastic fashion’ for remainder of UFC career

Israel Adesanya vows to beat every fighter in fantastic fashion before UFC career endsLooking to rebound to the winning circle at UFC 305 next month in a title clash with arch-rival, Dricus…

Israel Adesanya vows to beat every fighter in fantastic fashion before UFC career ends

Looking to rebound to the winning circle at UFC 305 next month in a title clash with arch-rival, Dricus du Plessis in Perth, former two-time middleweight champion, Israel Adesanya has vowed to lay waste to each and every one of his opponents in “fantastic fashion” before it’s all said and done.

Adesanya, a former two-time undisputed middlweight champion, is set to headline next month’s pay-per-view return ‘Dowunder’ – attempting to return to Australia in winning form this time around.

dricus ufc 305

Sidelined since September of last year, City Kickboxing star, Adesanya most recently dropped his middleweight crown for the second time in the space of a calendar year, in the form of a one-sided unanimous decision loss to Sean Strickland.

Israel Adesanya warns Dricus du Plessis with UFC 305 fight don't be afraid be terrified

Israel Adesanya vows to beat fighters in “fantastic fashion”

And drawing promotional-perfect Pretoria native, du Plessis at UFC 305 next month in a bid to become the first three-time champion in the history of the organization, Adesanya has vowed to beat each and every one of the last foes on his run in eye-catching fashion.

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“I fought the largest middleweight, Alex Pereira, and i knocked him out,” Israel Adesanya said on the Sias du Plessis Show. “How am I gonna deal with Dricus’ uniqueness? It’s just be unique myself. Be unique to who I am.”

“Never again will I ever stray away from my style or my flow just because I wanna do something different or pander or anything like that,” Israel Adesanya explained. “I’m always gonna stick to my style and stick to what I do best, which is beating people up in fantastic fashion. And, yeah, I’ve done that my whole career, and I wanna get back to that. I’m not really worried about the outcome. It’s more about the journey.”

Who wins next month at UFC 305: Dricus du Plessis or Israel Adesanya?

Dricus du Plessis claims Israel Adesanya should have retired from UFC by now: ‘I saw it in his eyes’

Dricus du Plessis claims Israel Adesanya should have retired last year I saw it in his eyesDricus du Plessis has claimed former two-time middleweight champion, Israel Adesanya should likely have called time on his career…

Dricus du Plessis claims Israel Adesanya should have retired last year I saw it in his eyes

Dricus du Plessis has claimed former two-time middleweight champion, Israel Adesanya should likely have called time on his career in mixed martial arts following his knockout loss to Alex Pereira – claiming he was aware of the City Kickboxing star’s intentions to end his career.

du Plessis, the current undisputed middleweight champion, returns to the Octagon next month in the main event of UFC 305, taking on the above-mentioned, Adesanya in a title showdown in Perth, Australia.

du plessis ufc 305

Winning the undisputed crown at UFC 297 back in January of this year in a trip to Canada, du Plessis turned in a close, controversial split decision win over Sean Strickland – improving his unbeaten promotional record to 7-0.

For Adesanya, the former two-time middleweight titleholder has been sidelined since September of last year, himself suffering a one-sided unanimous decision loss to the previously mentioned, Strickland – in one of the biggest upset defeats in Octagon antiquity, 

dricus ufc 305

And sharing the stage earlier this month as part of a tense pre-fight press conference ahead of their UFC 305 clash, du Plessis and Adesanya shared some notable trash talk, with the South African poking fun at the former champion’s pet dog. 

Dricus du Plessis claims Israel Adesanya should have retired last year

Furthermore, in the time since, du Plessis has boldly proclaimed that he knew Adesanya was set to call time on his career in the sport – and insisted he likely should have already.

Israel Adesanya reveals he's getting ready for fighting return amid links to UFC 305 clash with Dricus du Plessis
Mandatory Credit: Jasmin Frank – USA TODAY Sports

“He (Israel Adesanya) knows it and the world knows it, he’s done great things in this sport – when it comes to as big as he’s going to get, he has been as big as he’s going to get in this sport,” Dricus du Plessis told Hello Sport. 

“When it comes to the title defenses, the winning streaks, that will never come again because he doesn’t have the time, so I think his biggest achievement for him personally was beating Alex Pereira. He had this nemesis who’s beaten him multiple times and after that fight, he was ready to call it quits – that’s what I saw in his eyes as well.”

Who do you think wins next month at UFC 305: Dricus du Plessis or Israel Adesanya?

Dricus Du Plessis On What He Saw In Israel Adesanya’s Eyes During Staredown: ‘Trying To Convince Himself He Still Wants To Do This’

UFC Middleweight Champion Dricus Du Plessis drew some conclusions from his long faceoff with Israel Adesanya last week. After a bitter feud dating back to the start of 2023, Du Plessis and Adesanya will finally have the chance to settle their grudge inside the Octagon at the upcoming UFC 305 pay-per-view in Perth, Australia, next […]

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UFC Middleweight Champion Dricus Du Plessis drew some conclusions from his long faceoff with Israel Adesanya last week.

After a bitter feud dating back to the start of 2023, Du Plessis and Adesanya will finally have the chance to settle their grudge inside the Octagon at the upcoming UFC 305 pay-per-view in Perth, Australia, next month.

Having been unable to make the turnaround post-beating Robert Whittaker to face “The Last Stylebender” in Sydney last September, “Stillknocks” set this bout up once again by dethroning Sean Strickland months after he upset Adesanya Down Under.

With their long-awaited showdown just over a month away, Du Plessis and his challenger went face to face in Perth for an on-sale press conference.

Following some firm words with microphone in hand, the pair engaged in one of the lengthiest and most intense faceoffs in recent memory. And according to the champ, he learned a thing or two from it…

Du Plessis Saw Uncertainty In Adesanya’s Eyes During Perth Faceoff

During a recent appearance on the All Talk podcast, Du Plessis looked ahead to his opening defense of the middleweight title and reflected on his first in-person interaction with Adesanya during the UFC 305 buildup.

The South African spoke about the importance of pre-fight faceoffs, even branding them the first part of a bout. And given what he claims to have seen in the eyes of Adesanya, the champ evidently believes round one went to him.

“Once I get into that zone for any staredown, there’s no humor in that. That’s when things get serious. That’s part of the fight right there, winning that exchange,” Du Plessis said. “Almost a theme for me in this whole fight is seeing that Israel Adesanya…he has done great things in this sport. But when it comes to as big as he’s gonna get, he has been as big as he’s gonna get. When it comes to the title defenses and the winning streaks, that will never come again because he doesn’t have the time.

“His biggest achievement for him personally was beating Alex Pereira. He had this nemesis who’s beaten him multiple times. And after that fight, he was ready to call it quits,” Du Plessis continued. “That’s what I saw in his eyes as well; trying to convince me but more so trying to convince himself that he still wants to do this and that he still has what it takes to be the best fighter in the world. As soon as you’re asking yourself that question, you’re in a dark place.”

Whether or not Du Plessis draws the same conclusion when they go face to face again when fight week rolls around in Perth remains to be seen.

But given his golf jibe relating to retirement during the recent presser, it would appear that “Stillknocks” sees Adesanya having one foot out the door ahead of his first fight in 11 months.

Continue Reading Dricus Du Plessis On What He Saw In Israel Adesanya’s Eyes During Staredown: ‘Trying To Convince Himself He Still Wants To Do This’ at MMA News.

UFC Hall of Famer believes we’ll see the ‘most dangerous’ version of Israel Adesanya at UFC 305

UFC Hall of Famer believes we'll see the 'Most Dangerous' version of Israel Adesanya at UFC 305Michael Bisping believes we will see the “most dangerous” version of Israel Adesanya yet at UFC 305. After surrendering…

UFC Hall of Famer believes we'll see the 'Most Dangerous' version of Israel Adesanya at UFC 305

Michael Bisping believes we will see the “most dangerous” version of Israel Adesanya yet at UFC 305.

After surrendering his middleweight title in September, ‘The Last Stylebender’ took a leave from fighting to rest and reflect. On Saturday, August 17, his time of reflection will be over as he returns to the Octagon determined to claim the 185-pound crown for the third time — something nobody has ever done in the division.

Israel Adesanya

Standing in his way will be newly minted middleweight king Dricus Du Plessis, who took the title off Sean Strickland in January, four months after ‘Tarzan’ put on a dominant five-round showing against Adesanya to snatch the belt away.

But before all of that, Adesanya and Du Plessis engaged in a racially charged face-off following the latter’s win over Robert Whittaker at UFC 290 last year.

Israel Adesanya

That put the pair of African superstars on a collision course before it was temporarily derailed by Strickland’s sensational showing a couple of months later.

With their middleweight title fight now back on track and scheduled to headline the promotion’s return to Perth, Du Plessis and Adesanya once again traded barbs during Tuesday’s UFC 305 on-sale press conference, with Du Plessis saying afterward that Adesanya is “trying to convince himself that he still wants to be here.”

Offering his take on the war of words between Adesanya and Du Plessis, former middleweight titleholder Michael Bisping suggested that all ‘Stillknocks’ is doing with his talk is coaxing out what could be one of the nastiest versions of the ‘Stylebender’ we’ve ever seen inside the Octagon.

“That’s kind of harsh words for Israel Adesanya to hear, and for Israel, that’s going to motivate him big time,” Bisping said on his YouTube channel. “That’s going to piss him off. That’s going to grind his gears. That’s going to get in his head. That is going to force him to train his ass off, and I wouldn’t be surprised if we see one of the most dangerous, nasty versions of Israel Adesanya that we’ve seen” (h/t MMA Junkie).

Michael Bisping reminds everyone what happened the last time Israel Adesanya lost in the UFC

The last time Israel Adesanya suffered a big loss inside the Octagon came at UFC 281 when he lost the middleweight strap via a fifth-round KO at the hands of longtime rival Alex Pereira.

Five months later, the ‘Stylebender’ struck back, scoring a massive knockout of ‘Poatan’ in the second round of their UFC rematch, becoming the first fighter in UFC history to claim the division title twice.

Israel Adesanya

“Last time he was embarrassed against Alex Pereira, what did he do? He came back and he knocked out Alex ‘Poatan’ Pereira – the [current] bell of the ball, one of the top pound-for-pound fighters, a two-weight champion, and the biggest star in all of mixed martial arts,” Bisping said.

“That’s another thing: Don’t think that that’s not pissing Izzy off, either. Of course, it is. Izzy was the man. Now he’s fallen off. Somebody else has got his belt. His former opponent, his former rival, his former nemesis is now who Izzy was. is now the biggest star in the sport. Everyone’s loving the guy. That is pissing Izzy off, as well. So as I say, I think he’s going to be very, very dangerous.”

Will history repeat itself, or will ‘DDP’ solidify his spot as the middleweight division’s top dog? Only time will tell.