South Africa’s Dricus Du Plessis Fires Back at Israel Adesanya over Champion’s Recent Warning

• Dricus du Plessis hasn't taken Israel Adesanya's recent comments about him lightly
• Adesanya took issues with du Plessis' recent comments about being 'more African'
• The 'Last Stylebender' defeated Alex Pereira to reclaim his UFC Middleweight title

Dricus du Plessis and Israel Adesanya are on a collision course for the UFC Middleweight title.

Tensions between the two fighters have escalated since Adesanya beat Alex Pereira for the title in the main event of UFC 287.

During the press conference after the event, 'The Last Stylebender' took aim at du Plessis but did not mention him by name, supposedly to not give him any attention.

However, he made clear who he was talking about when he said he wanted to drag the middleweight’s carcass all across South Africa, MMA Fighting reported.

The undefeated 'Stillknocks' has since hit back at The Nigerian-born Kiwi on social media.

Alex Pereira breaks his silence on Israel Adesanya taunting his son after UFC win

UFC

Du Plessis took to Instagram, saying it was smart that Izzy didn’t mention his name.

The South African fighter added it would be too long to wait for a fight to take place at UFC Africa and he was more than willing to take Adesanya’s title this year, adding Izzy could have a rematch for it once the UFC hosted an event on the continent.

His post has drawn much support from South African celebrities and even Springboks, who want to see du Plessis become the first champion from the country.

Du Plessis’ coach, Morne Visser also took to Instagram to not only send a warning to Adesanya, but to also shut down the haters who have been criticising the fighter's gas tank.

Some fans have claimed the South African stands no chance against Adesanya because he appeared to tire easily during his recent fights. Visser explained why that was the case and why it would not be a problem anymore.

Zhilei Zhang looking to knock out undefeated Joe Joyce during heavyweight bout

Boxing

Adesanya's warning to du Plessis

The Last Stylebender is not happy with a fellow African middleweight in the UFC, Sports Brief has previously reported.

Adesanya knocked Pereira out at UFC 287 to reclaim his Middleweight title and then turned his focus to du Plessis.

The Nigerian-born fighter said he hoped the South African kept winning, so he would have a reason to beat him.