Israel Adesanya announced this Monday on his social networks that he will face Dricus De Plessis in the main event of UFC 305, scheduled for August 17 in Perth, Australia. A particularly anticipated clash between the native of Nigeria, naturalized New Zealander, and the South African, holder of the -84kg belt. Against a backdrop of identity claims.
More than a fight, it will be a settling of scores. Israel Adesanya announced on Monday that he would face Dricus Du Plessis this summer at UFC 305, scheduled for August 17 in Perth, southwest Australia. A particularly anticipated main event between two figthers who oppose each other against a backdrop of identity demands. A native of the Pretoria region, in South Africa, Du Plessis believes he is the “true” representative of the African continent in the UFC, unlike Adesanya, born in Nigeria but exiled in New Zealand.
The two men heated up about it in July 2023, on the sidelines of UFC 290 in Las Vegas. After Dricus Du Plessis’ victory against Robert Whittaker, Israel Adesanya climbed into the cage to come and clash with him. “I’ll show you where you come from,” said the Lagos native, questioning the origins of his rival, who accused him of having betrayed his country by being a naturalized New Zealander…
Almost a year later, the two enemies will finally be able to explain themselves in Oceania. Stake? The -84kg belt held by Dricus Du Plessis since his victory against Sean Strickland at the end of January at UFC 297 in Toronto. The same Strickland who dethroned Adesanya last September at UFC 293 in Sydney.
The poster revealed in a photo by Dana White
At 34 years old, “Izzy” will begin the final run of his career, eleven months after his last appearance in the octagon. His duel against Du Plessis (30), who has nine consecutive successes, promises sparks. Dana White had (unfortunately?) revealed the information this weekend, by formalizing Conor McGregor’s withdrawal against Michael Chandler (scheduled for June 29 during UFC 303). Part of the UFC 305 card was visible in a photo behind the head of the American organization. With a main event between Adesanya and Du Plessis, which was quickly confirmed.
