Adesanya Commends Du Plessis’ Dominant Performance Against Usman: ‘The Best I’ve Seen Dricus Look’

Former two-time UFC Middleweight Champion Israel Adesanya has offered unequivocal praise for Dricus du Plessis following his decisive victory over Kamaru Usman at UFC 290 on July 8, 2023, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Du Plessis secured a dominant unanimous decision over the former Welterweight kingpin, a performance that captivated observers, including Adesanya, despite his close friendship with Usman and a history of personal animosity with du Plessis. Adesanya articulated his admiration for du Plessis’s refined technique and strategic execution, declaring, "It’s the best I’ve seen Dricus look."

The main event bout saw du Plessis systematically dismantle Usman over three rounds, showcasing a significant evolution in his fighting style. Usman, making a highly anticipated move to the middleweight division, faced a relentless onslaught from the South African contender. While many might have anticipated a conflicted reaction from Adesanya, given his public support for Usman, "The Last Stylebender" instead lauded du Plessis’s display of skill. "He looked less out of position when he finished punching, when he initiated punching," Adesanya noted during a commentary on his YouTube channel. He further elaborated on the technical improvements, stating, "Sometimes he still did his thing, but he looked really good. Some of the shots he was throwing, the selection, and the timing of the knee for that single-leg, that was a good chess move from their team." Adesanya concluded his assessment with a nod to sportsmanship, acknowledging his personal rooting interest while recognizing the undeniable quality of du Plessis’s performance: "I wanted Kamaru to get it done, but again, it just shows how good Dricus is. And good on him."

This commendation marks a notable shift in the relationship between Adesanya and du Plessis, who were embroiled in a heated rivalry just a few years prior. The friction originated from du Plessis’s controversial statements questioning the authenticity of other African-born fighters, including Adesanya, Usman, and Francis Ngannou, representing the continent. Du Plessis, who lives and trains in South Africa, suggested he was the "real African" champion, which deeply offended the trio, often referred to as the "African Kings" due to their dominance in the UFC. This ignited a profound layer of animosity that permeated the middleweight division and fueled speculation about a potential title showdown between Adesanya and du Plessis. Adesanya, a Nigerian-born New Zealander, and Usman, a Nigerian-American, both frequently represent their African heritage, making du Plessis’s comments particularly grating. The narrative of a brewing rivalry for the middleweight title, intensified by these cultural and nationalistic undertones, was one of the most compelling storylines in the UFC. However, destiny intervened, and Adesanya lost his middleweight title to Sean Strickland before a fight with du Plessis could materialize.

Despite the past tensions, a sense of reconciliation has emerged among the prominent African champions. The "four African champions," which presumably includes Ngannou, Adesanya, Usman, and du Plessis himself, appear to have "buried the hatchet." This newfound camaraderie has allowed Adesanya to view du Plessis’s triumph through a broader lens, focusing on its positive implications for the growth of mixed martial arts across the African continent. "It’s good for us anyway… Just for African MMA," Adesanya asserted, highlighting the wider impact of such high-profile bouts. "Because off this – every time one of these happens, look, another two African fighters fight in the main event, the whole continent is going to watch. Even though it’s just a Fight Night, they’re still gonna watch and support. I think this is just going to expand the talent pool in African MMA more. And I look forward to it." This perspective underscores the collective ambition among these athletes to foster the sport’s development in Africa, leveraging their individual successes to inspire a new generation of fighters.

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The context of the UFC 290 bout adds significant weight to Adesanya’s comments. Kamaru Usman, 36, entered the fight with a professional record of 20 wins and 3 losses. A former dominant UFC Welterweight Champion, Usman held the title for over 800 days, defending it five times before suffering back-to-back losses to Leon Edwards in 2022 and 2023. His move up to middleweight against du Plessis was seen as an attempt to reinvigorate his career and potentially challenge for a second divisional title. Usman’s renowned wrestling background and powerful striking had made him a formidable force at welterweight, but the transition to middleweight presented new challenges, particularly against a larger, younger, and aggressively styled opponent like du Plessis. The loss marked Usman’s third consecutive defeat, raising questions about his future in the sport and whether a return to welterweight or potential retirement might be on the horizon.

Dricus du Plessis, 30, on the other hand, arrived at UFC 290 with a professional record of 19 wins and 2 losses, and an undefeated 5-0 streak within the UFC. His previous victories included impressive finishes over Robert Whittaker, Derek Brunson, and Darren Till, cementing his status as a legitimate threat in the middleweight division. Du Plessis’s fighting style, characterized by unorthodox striking, relentless pressure, and a strong grappling game, has earned him the moniker "Stillknocks." His performance against Usman showcased a more refined version of this style, which he himself dubbed "Stillknocks 2.0" in post-fight comments, emphasizing his growth as a fighter. This win, a significant scalp in the form of a former pound-for-pound king, propelled du Plessis directly into contention for the UFC Middleweight Championship, positioning him as the likely next challenger to current champion Sean Strickland.

Israel Adesanya, 34, with a record of 24 wins and 3 losses, remains a pivotal figure in the middleweight division. His own journey has been marked by a stunning knockout victory over Alex Pereira to reclaim the middleweight title at UFC 287 in April 2023, only to lose it again to Sean Strickland at UFC 293 in September 2023. Adesanya’s critical eye, honed through years at the sport’s highest level, lends considerable credibility to his assessment of du Plessis. His ability to set aside personal history and acknowledge a competitor’s excellence speaks volumes about the evolving landscape of sportsmanship and professional respect within the UFC.

The broader narrative of African MMA continues to gain momentum, fueled by the successes of fighters like Adesanya, Usman, Ngannou, and du Plessis. The vision articulated by Adesanya, where high-profile bouts featuring African athletes draw continent-wide viewership and inspire burgeoning talent, is steadily becoming a reality. The UFC has already made significant inroads into Africa, with talks of hosting events on the continent, further solidifying its commitment to this growing market. The performances of fighters like du Plessis serve not only to advance their individual careers but also to contribute to this larger, continent-spanning movement, fostering a new era for mixed martial arts in Africa.

In the ever-unpredictable world of combat sports, the post-fight landscape remains dynamic. While du Plessis is now firmly in line for a title shot, Usman’s next steps are less clear. The acknowledgment from a former rival and champion like Adesanya, however, underscores the magnitude of du Plessis’s achievement and his undeniable progress as a fighter. This moment of mutual respect, transcending past conflicts, highlights the unifying power of sport and the shared ambition to elevate African representation on the global stage of mixed martial arts.

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