Kiwi UFC star Israel Adesanya has fought back tears, as he promised to dethrone South African middleweight rival Dricus du Plessis at Perth on Sunday.
Backed by a parochial crowd that booed his opponent at every opportunity, Nigerian-born Adesanya has taken umbrage to du Plessis' claims he is the first real African champion — born, bred and living on the continent — despite others that have gone before him.
That belief has been the underlying theme of this mixed martial arts showdown, since the South African defeated Aussie Robert Whittaker in a title eliminator in July 2023 and set sights on Adesanya.
Ironically, their bout was postponed, when du Plessis suffered a leg injury in training and replacement Sean Strickland toppled Adesanya for the belt. Du Plessis defeated the American for the title, which he will defend for the first time against the former champ.
The African-born rivals are vying for continental bragging rights. (Source: SKY)
"You don't know my story," Adesanya told his adversary at the official UFC 305 media conference. "My father and myself had to wake up at 4am and clean the banks, while my mum studies to be a nurse.
"I do this for my family, I do this for the people I love and I’ll fight for you forever. I am a human being, I am a man… I can cry and whoop your ass at the same time.
"I feel the love from the crowd. First time I fought here was [UFC] 221... that was February 2018, that was me making my dreams come true.
"Sunday, I’m going to kill your dreams."
The pair have openly expressed their dislike for one another in the buildup.
"I don’t know Israel Adesanya," said du Plessis. "What he says, I don’t like.
Dricus du Plessis and Israel Adesanya face at UFC 305. (Source: Getty)
"The way he approached this whole fight, I don’t like it. When it comes to him as a fighter, the man is great and he’s done great things… it’s just time for me to take over, like I have, as champion of the world."
Adesanya's loss to Strickland last September was his fifth fight in the space of 19 months, leaving him physically and emotional exhausted. He claims his 11-month hiatus has allowed him to recharge his batteries for the coming contest.
"I’m happy I took the time off I needed," said Adesanya. "I’m happy I let my body heal, and let my mind and spirit relax.
"Now I’m back into work and happy to be here.
"For me, this whole time away was good for me to soulsearch, find myself, and realise I’m still new at this and can still get this done."
Once he has regained his title, Adesanya has pledged to take the belt to Africa, before returning to his adopted home.
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"On Tuesday, I’m going back to Nigeria, Friday I go to South Africa and the next week I go back to New Zealand," he said.
"I’m a child of the earth and when I win this belt, I’m taking it everywhere with me."
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