Nigerian UFC fighter Israel Adesanya is poised to make history as he prepares to face middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 305 this weekend, according to Sports247. The highly anticipated bout will take place in Perth, New Zealand, on Saturday, with the fight set for 3:00 am Sunday in Nigeria.
This matchup extends the fierce rivalry between Nigeria and South Africa, as both fighters have been engaged in intense trash talk, adding a personal edge to their clash. The contest is more than just a battle for the middleweight title; it's a quest for pride, honor, and the title of Africa's premier UFC middleweight fighter.
For Adesanya, this fight represents a chance for redemption following a surprising defeat to Sean Strickland in September 2023. That loss led to a period of reflection and a sabbatical, during which Adesanya relinquished two welterweight titles in quick succession.
At UFC 305 Media Day, Adesanya acknowledged the significance of this fight and his recent personal challenges. He emphasized his commitment to learning from past experiences and the importance of his legacy.
"A lot has happened in the last few months. I’ve had to go through some personal challenges and do a lot of soul searching. I asked myself tough questions: ‘What do I want from this game? What do I want my legacy to be?’”
A victory for Adesanya, known as ‘The Last Style Bender,’ would make him only the second fighter in UFC history to secure three titles in the same weight category, joining Randy Couture in that achievement.
Adesanya is confident in his readiness for both the physical and mental demands of the fight. He declared, “I’m different now. I’m putting everything into this fight. I’m not thinking far ahead. I’m focused on this fight and this time out.”
“I think you’ll see the best version of me yet. I’m the biggest and most muscular I’ve ever been, yet I feel faster and sharper. I surprise myself with my speed and precision. It feels good to reset and refresh. Now, let’s get it,” Adesanya stated.
Adesanya, a two-time former UFC Champion, holds a 24-3 MMA and 13-3 UFC record, while middleweight champion Du Plessis boasts a 21-2 MMA and 7-0 UFC record.