Nigeria UFC fighter, Israel Adesanya is on the verge of making UFC history as he takes on champions Dricus Du Plessis in UFC 305 this weekend, Sports247 reports.
The fight which many analysts have described as beyond just the middleweight title at stake will take place in Perth New Zealand on Saturday ( 3:00 am on Sunday in Nigeria).
It’s an extension of the rivalry between Nigeria and South Africa as both fighters have been trash talking and making it a personal feud that must be settled once and for all as pride and honour and ultimately legacy of determining who is truly Africa best UFC fighter in the Middleweight category.
For Adesanya, it’s a redemption of a sort after he ate the humble pie through a shocking defeat to Sean Strickland in September 2023. A defeat which sent him on a sabbatical and soul searching for a new beginning which saw relinquished two welterweight titles in quick succession.
Speaking at the UFC 305 Media Day on Thursday, Adesanya recognises this much and vows to avoid past mistakes and learn from the challenges and he banks on the experiences of losing and winning he had in the Octagon to overcome against the undefeated Du Plessis.
“A lot has happened in the last few months. I’ve had to go through some personal challenges, and during that time, I’ve done 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 win for the self styled ‘Last Style Bender ‘ will make him the second man in the history of UFC to win three titles in the same category, after Randy Couture.
Adesanya says he is ready for the physical challenge and is prepared mentally to get the job done .
“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.” declares Israel Adesanya.
Isreal Adesanya, a two time former UFC Champion is on a 24-3 MMA, 13-3 UFC record while middleweight champion Du Plessis is on 21-2 MMA, 7-0 UFC record.
