Israel adesanya He is a former UFC champion. Photo: Instagram/@UFC
The former middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg) of UFC, Israel adesanya, was not indifferent to the challenge launched by the new owner of the belt, Dricus du Plessis. The Nigerian, who has been away from the Octagon since September, used social media to recall a meeting with the South African and indicate that he could return to fight soon.
Adesanya published a video on his account on 'X' (formerly Twitter), where he appears training at the City Academy gym, in New Zealand, and bumps into Du Plessis, who was sparring with Alexander Volkanovsky. The video is old, from when the two were not yet rivals.
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“This arc of my story was written a long time ago. Our paths are destined to cross again. Stay tuned for the next episode, thanks for watching. We write history”, wrote the former champion, in a provocative tone.
✨IS~RA~EL 🐉 ADÉSÀNYÀ‼️
This arc in my story was written long ago. Our paths are destined to cross again. Stay tuned for the next episode, thanks for watching.
We Write History ✨✍🏾 pic.twitter.com/c5EHGWBjlL— Israel adesanya (@stylebender) January 21, 2024
Du Plessis won the middleweight belt last Saturday (20/01), by beating Sean Strickland by split decision, in the UFC 297, in Toronto. Shortly after the fight, the South African called the Nigerian to the fight.
“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 the new champion.
Adesanya vs Du Plessis
The rivalry between Adesanya and Du Plessis began when the Nigerian, who lives in New Zealand, described himself as the true African and belittled the South African, who still lives on the continent. The two faced each other in a tense stare at the UFC 290, marked by racial insults.
On that occasion, Dricus knocked out Robert whittaker and became the number one contender in the category. However, an injury prevented him from facing Israel in the UFC 293, in September, in Australia. In his place came Strickland, who shocked the world by defeating Adesanya by technical knockout and taking the belt from the Nigerian.
Adesanya announced an indefinite break from the sport, without revealing the reasons. Since then, he has shown signs that he intends to return to the UFC soon.
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