After making Israel Adesanya cry during the UFC 305 pre-fight press conference, Dricus du Plessis is convinced that he just has a knack for wrecking his opponents emotionally.
‘Stillknocks’ is now two for two in drawing strong emotional reactions from his opponents. He notably ignited rage in Sean Strickland during the UFC 297 presser with remarks on his abusive childhood before their championship bout earlier this year.
This week, it was ‘The Last Stylebender’ who had to endure the South African’s mind games. After the Nigerian-born Kiwi proclaimed that he will go on a world tour with the middleweight title after beating him, du Plessis clapped back, saying:
Adesanya, whose family had to leave Africa in search of better opportunities, was upset with his opponent insinuating that he had always enjoyed a life of privilege, prompting him to burst out in tears on stage.
Speaking to Daniel Cormier after making weight ahead of UFC 305, the 185-pound champion expressed his thoughts on his recent opponents’ emotional breakdowns. While du Plessis believes that he is a respectful person overall, he will not let fighters “bully” him:
“I won’t be bullied ever. When you have guys that act tough and want to bully, once they get that medicine [they stop]. That’s how you stop a bully as well… I’m not a disrespectful person… I’m always respectful if you’re respectful towards me… When you’re talking to a guy that’s trying to bully you up there, and you bully them back and show them what it’s like, they never like that. And I think that was the case in both of these fights… And also… I think I might be the problem obviously because it’s two for two.”
Dricus du Plessis shares prediction for title fight against Israel Adesanya fight
Despite being undefeated in the promotion, Dricus du Plessis is heading into UFC 305 as the betting underdog. Regardless of the odds, the reigning champion is aiming to finish Israel Adesanya in Perth.
During a recent interview with Daniel Cormier, ‘Stillknocks’ stated that if ‘The Last Stylebender’ comes hunting for a finish in their title clash, it’ll play right into his hands:
“I finish Izzy in the third round, that’s what I’m saying. I know Izzy is coming out for that first-round finish. If that’s the case, I think we’re playing right into my field. I’ll be ready for that.”
