It has been quite the year for the UFC’s middleweight division. Previously, Israel Adesanya delivered a masterful performance to recapture his title from Alex Pereira at UFC 287. Following the events of UFC 290, it was expected that Izzy would face off against Dricus Du Plessis next.
At UFC 290, Dricus Du Plessis made a statement with a remarkable victory over Robert Whittaker. Following his victory, the South African also had a racially-charged argument with Adesanya inside the Octagon. As such, it was expected that the two would be fighting next. However, according to the middleweight champ, it appears that such will not be the case.
Dickless DuPussay. pic.twitter.com/UQwRF2a5tU
— Israel Adesanya (@stylebender) July 20, 2023
Taking to Twitter, Izzy posted a video flaming du Plessis for seemingly pulling out of their fight. “Your foot’s sore. My knee was jacked for my last fight. Guess what I did? I showed up because that’s what a f*cking champion does.” Further Izzy continued, “So, I’m fighting in Sydney. I don’t give a f*ck who. D*ckless Du P*ssy, f*ck off. You’re out. (Sean) Strickland, you’re in. Let’s do the man dance. Show you how to really dance”.
According to sources, du Plessis will not be able to make the turnaround for UFC 293 in Sydney on September 9. Having been made aware of the same, Adesanya is willing to give Sean Strickland the title shot instead. Previously, Strickland proved his mettle with a second-round TKO over the highly touted Abus Magomedov.
Israel Adesanya has a longstanding rivalry with Sean Strickland
Whilst many feel that Strickland is the most viable option after Du Plessis based on his merit, they might be forgetting that the two have had beef in the past. Previously, the two butted heads at the UFC 276 press conference. Whilst Izzy was taking on Jared Cannonier at the time, Strickland was facing Alex Pereira.
Despite their different opponents, the two got into it at the press conference. Unhappy with a comment made by Strickland, Izzy snapped, prompting a back-and-forth between the two fighters. Whilst the argument was strictly verbal, Adesanya hinted at a potential scuffle backstage before the press conference as well.
Despite getting brutally knocked out by Alex Pereira at UFC 276, Strickland fought in three consecutive main events, getting his hands raised against Nassourdine Imavov and most recently, against Abus Magomedov. Not only that, but Sean has also been quick to comment on Adesanya and Du Plessis’ ‘real African’ debate as well.
Appearing on Joe Rogan’s podcast, Strickland made numerous comments on Israel Adesanya, even calling him ‘China’s sl*t’ and ridiculing him for his painted nails. Although he does respect Adesanya as a fighter, Strickland disagrees with a lot of what The Last Stylebender stands for. With all that said, how do you think this fight goes down? Will Adesanya walk over Strickland or will we see a solid fight? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.