Israel Adesanya: UFC News: Recently, Dricus DuPlessis, the UFC middleweight fighter, made comments that caused a stir in the African champions community and ruffled the feathers of UFC champ Israel Adesanya. DuPlessis claimed that no UFC belt had ever actually made its way to Africa, and went on to describe his vision of what an African champion would embody upon winning the title. Adesanya, hailing from Nigeria, found these statements to be offensive and took to social media to voice his disapproval. Follow UFC News Updates with Insidesport.IN
And now, DuPlessis has since clarified his remarks, recognizing Adesanya as one of the greatest middleweights in UFC history.
WATCH UFC Star Dricus DuPlessis Gets Honest About ‘African’ Narrative That Triggered Israel Adesanya
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Dricus DuPlessis Clarifies Controversial Comments About African Champions That Offended Israel Adesanya
In a recent conversation with Submission Radio, DuPlessis said, “I don’t know Israel, I personally at all this is by looks of it. You know people act on camera, it’s completely different but I don’t know him personally at all. At the end of the day as a fighter I’ve always had mad respect for him. I think he is an incredible, incredible fighter in terms of legacy. And being possibly one of the greatest middleweight to ever do it.”
While acknowledging Adesanya’s brilliance and skill, DuPlessis maintained that Adesanya does not currently reside in Africa. “I mean he is on his way there. I never take that away. I can never take the fact away that he is incredibly brilliant. Like I said he is born in Africa he represents Africa 100 percent. But he doesn’t reside in Africa. He hasn’t resided in Africa for a long time and that is the only statement I have made.”
DuPlessis claims he has always respected Adesanya as a fighter, despite his recent controversial remarks. His comments were meant to reflect Adesanya’s current country of residence, not his Nigerian heritage or status as an African champion.
Adesanya, however, clearly took offense to having his identity and accomplishments questioned. The two middleweights seem destined for a clash in the octagon to settle the score.
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