A shocking and contentious verbal exchange unfolded during the highly anticipated clash between Israel Adesanya and Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 290. The two fighters engaged in a heated verbal battle inside the octagon using words that took a deeply personal and racially charged turn.
Amidst the intensity of the fight, Adesanya, who hails from Nigeria, and Du Plessis, a South African fighter, exchanged insults that included the racially derogatory statement, “You ain’t African!” The incident sparked outrage and raised important discussions about racism and the boundaries of trash talk in combat sports.
Adesanya and Du Plessis racial slur exchange
Emotions ran high inside the octagon at UFC 290 as Dricus Du Plessis delivered a stunning knockout victory over Robert Whittaker, earning himself a shot at Middleweight champion Israel Adesanya. However, the post-fight celebration quickly turned contentious, fueling the already simmering feud between the two fighters.
The conflict revolves around Du Plessis’ controversial remarks regarding Adesanya’s African heritage.
Following Du Plessis’ win, Adesanya entered the cage and engaged in a war of words. He sarcastically referred to Du Plessis as his “African brother,” using provocative language. Du Plessis, refusing the connection, countered by asserting that he was African but not Adesanya’s brother.
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If you ain’t my brother, you ain’t African!!
I will show you where you’re from, NIGGA‼️ pic.twitter.com/iYGoBGIcB8— Israel Adesanya (@stylebender) July 9, 2023
The exchange continued as Adesanya dismissed the need for a DNA test, emphasizing his Nigerian heritage, and challenging Du Plessis to undergo the examination instead. The tension between the fighters remained palpable, with Adesanya asserting his confidence and predicting an easy victory.
The intensity of their verbal confrontation underscores the seriousness with which Adesanya approaches the upcoming fight. As the build-up progresses, many fans are eager to witness their clash inside the cage at UFC 293 in Sydney, Australia, on September 10, 2023.
Du Plessis denounces Adesanya’s African origin
The atmosphere turned tense and heated as Dricus Du Plessis and Israel Adesanya engaged in a verbal battle at UFC 290, fueled by conflicting views on Adesanya’s African origin.
While Du Plessis aims to become the first “real” African champion by virtue of living and training in South Africa, Adesanya, who grew up in Nigeria, now trains in New Zealand with City Kickboxing.
Fighters like Francis Ngannou, Kamaru Usman, and Israel Adesanya (aka the so-called ‘African Kings’ don’t hail from their mother nations. Yet they are seen most vocal about pretty much ‘All things Africa’.
Dricus probably took issue with such practice and provided such a controversial statement where he challenged ‘The Last Stylebender’s true origins.
What is your take on this ‘African’ argument? Share with us below!
