Nigerian Stylebender Israel Adesanya levitates ahead of facing South Africa's Dricus Du Plessis for the UFC Middleweight title.
Former kickboxer Adesanya won the middleweight title in the UFC twice, defeating Whittaker in Melbourne.
![Israel Adesanya: Nigerian UFC star ready for brutal fight against Dricus du Plessis](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/09072023/c2a4e7bf-ada9-4158-8e7a-0f136fdf8ee4.jpg?operations=fit(180:))
19:50 - 22.07.2024
Israel Adesanya: Nigerian UFC star ready for brutal fight against Dricus du Plessis
Nigeria's MMA star Israel Adesanya is ready for a brutal fight against South Africa's Dricus du Plessis at UFC 305.
"The Last Stylebender" fell short against Alex Pereira but triumphed over his opponent in his subsequent bout.
![UFC: Israel Adesanya blasts Dricus du Plessis on discrediting Usman and Ngannou's African status](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/06072024/4c99af4a-5a84-4587-bc29-e61c9dcc1a07.jpg?operations=fit(180:))
14:00 - 06.07.2024
UFC: Israel Adesanya blasts Dricus du Plessis on discrediting Usman and Ngannou's African status
According to Israel Adesanya, his fight with Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 305 is a statement after the South African discrediting Kamaru Usman and Francis Ngannou's African status.
After a poor showing against Strickland in September, when he lost the title by unanimous decision, Adesanya has not played since.
Adesanya vs Du Plessis explained
The Nigerian-born New Zealander Adesanya objected to du Plessis' claim that he would be the first UFC champion fighter to train and reside in Africa.
![Nigerian Stylebender Israel Adesanya levitates ahead of facing South Africa's Dricus Du Plessis for the UFC Middleweight title.](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/24072024/8263b7dc-8881-4aa1-86e2-edabeb23c5e3.jpg?operations=fit(480:))
They have been making fun of each other for quite some time.
Although suggested, a matchup was never scheduled, the battle of resentment will now ultimately be resolved.
![Nigerian Stylebender Israel Adesanya levitates ahead of facing South Africa's Dricus Du Plessis for the UFC Middleweight title.](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/24072024/67789a51-b17b-42e9-a1ea-91cd3fa5a0a6.jpg?operations=fit(480:))
When Dricus du Plessis defends the UFC middleweight title against Adesanya at UFC 305, rivals square off with the prize money on the line.
In his MMA career, du Plessis has won nine fights via knockout and 10 by submission.
The former welterweight champion of the KSW and EFC made history by being the first South African to medal at the WAKO World Championships.
![Nigerian Stylebender Israel Adesanya levitates ahead of facing South Africa's Dricus Du Plessis for the UFC Middleweight title.](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/24072024/2df9b877-945c-439e-95b2-4a874170c023.jpg?operations=fit(480:))
In order to face reigning champion Sean Strickland, he defeated past winner Robert Whittaker.
The 30-year-old then prevailed over Strickland to capture the title after a mixed bag of results.
Adesanya has taken to social media to show off his preparation.
![Nigerian Stylebender Israel Adesanya levitates ahead of facing South Africa's Dricus Du Plessis for the UFC Middleweight title.](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/24072024/a1c84454-7cd5-4edc-b547-5eea44371afc.jpg?operations=fit(480:))
In photos on his official Instagram account, Adesanya showed off levitating while in the gym.
On August 18, UFC 305 featuring Adesanya and Du Plessis will take place at Perth, Australia's RAC Arena
Related content
![Israel Adesanya vs Strickland: 3 reasons why Stylebender lost at UFC 293](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/10092023/32106feb-03f9-4bff-b68c-a8976cfe8052.jpeg?operations=fit(180:))
10:35 - 10.09.2023
Israel Adesanya vs Strickland: 3 reasons why Stylebender lost at UFC 293
Du Plessis pulling out, China and Australia baggage, Here are 3 reasons why Israel Adesany lost to Sean Strickland in the main event of UFC 293.
![I hate losing - Israel Adesanya shows black eye after defeat to Sean Strickland](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/10092023/23d2c254-8e76-41cb-b44a-94d3989f09eb.jpg?operations=fit(180:))
12:15 - 10.09.2023
I hate losing - Israel Adesanya shows black eye after defeat to Sean Strickland
Israel Adesanya shows black eye after defeat to Sean Strickland, wants to be with family and friends.
![Israel Adesanya: Nigerian UFC Champion blasts 'Bit*h' Dricus Du Plessis for pulling out of UFC 293](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/20072023/17f041e9-4c1e-4fb3-b471-26828f140301.jpg?operations=fit(180:))
15:30 - 20.07.2023
Israel Adesanya: Nigerian UFC Champion blasts 'Bit*h' Dricus Du Plessis for pulling out of UFC 293
After calling him a 'Nigg*r' Nigerian UFC Champion Israel Adesanya blasts 'Bitch' Dricus Du Plessis for pulling out of UFC 293.
![Israel Adesanya: Nigeria's UFC champion details 'Pain is my friend' and protecting heritage against Dricus du Plessis](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/17072023/be4fd872-c779-4fe2-bded-ffded60151fd.jpg?operations=fit(180:))
12:15 - 17.07.2023
Israel Adesanya: Nigeria's UFC champion details 'Pain is my friend' and protecting heritage against Dricus du Plessis
Nigeria's UFC champion Israel Adesanya details racism and why 'Pain is my friend' along with protecting heritage against Dricus du Plessis
![Israel Adesanya vs Mark Zuckerberg: Facebook founder chokes Nigeria's UFC champion in new photos](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/13072023/afb62f29-9845-4413-8db7-af1102f3bd75.jpg?operations=fit(180:))
08:00 - 13.07.2023
Israel Adesanya vs Mark Zuckerberg: Facebook founder chokes Nigeria's UFC champion in new photos
Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg chokes Nigeria's UFC champion Israel Adesanya in new photos.