New middleweight champion, Dricus du Plessis challenges Israel Adesanya: “Come back to the UFC”

Israel adesanya e Dricus Du Plessis facing the UFC 290 (Photo: Instagram/UFCANZ)

The challenge is launched: Dricus du Plessis want to face Israel adesanya for the middleweight belt (up to 83,9kg.) UFC. The South African, who became champion of the category when winning Sean Strickland by split decision in UFC 297, last Saturday (20/01), in Toronto, wasted no time and called the former title holder, who has been away from the sport since last year.

“Another guy tried to take my shine. He lost his shine and now I have my shine. You didn't enter the octagon today, but Israel adesanya, come back to the UFC soon so we can resolve this”, said Du Plessis, in an interview after the fight.

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The rivalry between the two began when Adesanya, born in Nigeria but based in New Zealand, described himself as a true African and provoked Du Plessis, who still lives on the continent.

The tension increased in a stare at the UFC 290, marked by racial insults. On that occasion, Dricus knocked out Robert whittaker and became the division's number one contender.

However, an injury prevented the South African from facing Adesanya in the UFC 293, in September, in Australia. In its place came Sean Strickland, who surprised the world by defeating the favorite by technical knockout and taking the belt from the Nigerian, who announced an indefinite break from the sport, without revealing the reasons.