Dricus Du Plessis Says He Doesn’t Like Israel Adesanya But Urges Him To Rest

South African Mixed Martial Artist, Dricus Du Plessis, has declared that he doesn’t like Nigerian-born Australian UFC star, Israel Adesanya.

Despite his declaration of hatred against the personality of Israel Adesanya, Dricus Du Plessis doesn’t like the decision of the UFC star to stay away from the sport until 2027.

The South African fighter says Adesanya who he said is an icon in the UFC, deserves to take a break from the sport, but such a break ought not to be more than a year.

According to Du Plessis, if Adesanya who just lost his Middleweight belt to Sean Strickland, decides to return to Mixed Martial Arts in 2027, the Australian fighter would get injured.

The South African said: “The man [Adesanya] was active. As a champion, he showed up and didn’t shy away from fights. He fought everybody, some people twice. He deserves some time away from the sport. He said 2027… If he comes back in 2027, he’s going to get hurt. You shouldn’t do that.”

Du Plessis added, “Take some time off. Maybe a year, that will be good for him. He earned that as one of the best to ever do it in the middleweight division. Right now, as a person I do not like Adesanya… But, as a fighter, as a martial artist, a guy that also embodied the martial artist way, he needs to stay strong right now.”

Recall that Dricus Du Plessis and Adesanya agreed to battle at UFC 293 in Australia. However, an unfortunate foot injury prevented the South African fighter from participating in the bout.

This turn of events opened the door for Sean Strickland to step in and challenge for the title instead. The American laid hands on the middleweight belt with a resounding unanimous decision victory over Adesanya.

Now, with Adesanya opting to take some time away from the sport, the UFC has shifted gears, handing Du Plessis the coveted opportunity to challenge Strickland for the title at UFC 297.