Israel Adesanya couldn’t hold back the tears as he addressed the media at Friday’s final press conference for his UFC 305 grudge match with Dricus Du Plessis.
The 35-year-old has the opportunity to create company history at the main event on Saturday at Perth, Western Australia’s RAC Arena by becoming the first fighter to win the UFC Middleweight Championship three times.
Adesanya’s fight with the current champion, Du Plessis, is very personal for him, as he shown during his most recent appearance in the fight’s promotion.
The South African has claimed to be the first legitimate UFC champion from the continent, and their rivalry has long revolved around their shared African ancestry.
Adesanya was born in Nigeria, but relocated to New Zealand with his family as a young child in search of a better life.
‘The Last Stylebender’ has flown the flags of both nations during his UFC tenure.
When asked if he would take the belt to Nigeria if won, Adesanya’s response was cut short by Du Plessis.
‘DDP’ questioned aloud whether Adesanya “would be taking his servants” with him back to Nigeria, referring to his assumption that the challenger has enjoyed a comfortable, wealthy life and has rarely had to struggle, unlike many other fighters in the region.
This clearly touched a nerve with Adesanya as the camera switched back to focus on him.
“He touched a subject there because I do this for my family. I do this for my people I love, and Ill fight for you forever, I swear to God.”
He then shared an image of Adesanya with tears rolling down his cheeks as he jested: “I win the screenshot game!”
After one of the most bad-tempered builds to a UFC title fight in recent memory.
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Nice write up