Dricus Du Plessis ‘Colonial’ Mindset Called Out by Israel Adesanya and Kamaru Usman

UFC veterans Kamaru Usman and Israel Adesanya talk about Dricus Du Plessis's claims of being the real African champion.

Dricus Du Plessis ‘Colonial’ Mindset Called Out by Israel Adesanya and Kamaru Usman

Kamaru Usman and Israel Adesanya discuss Dricus Du Plessis's controversy (via X/Imago)

The UFC was once ruled by the Three African Kings, consisting of Israel Adesanya, Kamaru Usman and Francis Ngannou. Three of them dominated their respective divisions and held championship belts in middleweight, welterweight and heavyweight, respectively. However, their dominance was short-lived, and the new middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis discredited it.

Du Plessis came into the limelight by beating Sean Strickland at UFC 297 and becoming the middleweight champion impressively and convincingly. Following that, he mentioned he’s the real African champion as he still trains in South Africa and others didn’t anymore. In a recent interview with Adesanya, Usman talked about this in detail and called out DDP for this disrespect.

It’s very very deep. It rubbed me wrong because I’m Black African-American. When you come in and there’s 3 African kings already. Why is your mentality not ‘Man, I want to be the 4th African champion.’ You chose to step into that limelight and come in on the direction of they (Ngannou, Usman and Adesanya) are not real African champions.

Kamaru Usman via Israel Adesanya’s YT Channel

Adesanya agreed to this sentiment and, despite his respect for Du Plessis and his skills, claimed it’s his ‘colonial mindset’. Izzy has already shared the octagon with DDP at UFC 305 and got brutally destroyed by the South African champion. In that fight, Adesanya failed to compete against DDP’s pressure and ultimately got submitted in the fourth round without much resistance.

Currently, DDP is the #5 pound-for-pound fighter, has defended his title two times and will face Khamzat Chimaev soon. His unpredictable style and relentless pressure make him a fan favorite and a dangerous opponent for anyone in the division. On the other hand, the ‘Three African Kings’ are way past their prime and no longer dominate the UFC landscape.

Kamaru Usman isn’t 100 percent going into UFC Atalanta

During his prime years, Kamaru Usman was an unstoppable force who cleared his division and finished top welterweight contenders dominantly. However, he lost his belt to Leon Edwards via a devastating head kick knockout that shocked fans and fighters around worldwide. He faced Edwards again in a rematch but lost via decision, showing signs of decline in his overall performance.

Kamaru Usman vs. Joaquin Buckley at UFC Atlanta
Kamaru Usman vs. Joaquin Buckley at UFC Atlanta (via X)

Following his loss to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 294 via majority decision, Kamaru Usman stayed away from the UFC spotlight. Despite this, he hasn’t lost confidence and is set to return at UFC Atlanta against Joaquin Buckley. However, Usman admitted he’s not in optimum health, raising concerns about his performance in this highly anticipated comeback fight.

I mean, going through a training camp definitely makes you feel like you’re not healthy. I’ll tell you that. Getting punched and beaten up by training partners like Justin, Archie, and some of these guys definitely makes you feel otherwise. But I’m just blessed for the opportunity to be back. I’m blessed to have another chance to step in, and I’m blessed not just to represent myself and my family, but also my instructors, my coaches, my training partners.

Kamaru Usman via Shak MMA

Usman has dealt with chronic knee injuries throughout his career, often training without running to preserve his damaged joints carefully. Joe Rogan explained that Usman’s knees were so worn down that he walks downstairs backward to reduce pain and avoid further injury risks. Despite this, Usman remained dominant for years, showcasing incredible mental toughness and adapting his style to compensate.

However, going into UFC Atlanta, Buckley is the betting favorite due to his six-fight win streak. The Nigerian Nightmare believes he still has the skillset to beat young and hungry fighters and potentially fight Islam Makhachev next.

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