“They’re not built like us,” Israel Adesanya speaks on Dricus Du Plessis refusing to fight at UFC 300

Israel Adesanya throws shade at the middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis for rejecting the offer to fight at UFC 300.

“They’re not built like us,” Israel Adesanya speaks on Dricus Du Plessis refusing to fight at UFC 300

Israel Adesanya takes a jab at Dricus Du Plessis (Image via: IMAGO)

Israel Adesanya was one of the most active champions in the UFC during his middleweight title reign. Along with Alexander Volkanovski, Adesanya headlined PPVs after PPVs from 2019 -2023. He really wanted to fight at UFC 300 for the middleweight title. ‘The Last Stylebender used his activity as a reference to mock new champion Dricus Du Plessis for rejecting the UFC 300 title fight.

The loss to Sean Strickland at UFC 293 sent him on a hiatus. However, the callout from Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 297 brought his interest level back. Unfortunately, Du Plessis could not keep his end of the deal even though he called Adesanya out. This made Adesanya make a remark about the current champions in the UFC.

They’re not built like us… myself, Alex Volkanovski, Kamaru Usman. When we were champions, f**k it, just fight. F**k the belt.
Israel Adesanya via MMA Hour
YouTube video

Adesanya had tears when he spoke about not headlining UFC 300. The Kiwi had already begun his training camp in Switzerland and waited for his manager’s call to get confirmation. However, his manager called him minutes before Dana White announced Jamahal Hill vs. Alex Pereira for UFC 300.

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Adesanya also revealed that he accepted the fight despite having an injury. Therefore, he felt that Du Plessis was not like him. DDP recently teased on Instagram about a potential fight against Israel Adesanya happening in Perth at UFC 305. However, Adesanya confirmed that no deal is in place at the moment.

Israel Adesanya reveals fights that he must have in the UFC

Even though not official, Israel Adesanya will most likely fight Dricus Du Plessis. Sean Strickland clamored for a rematch, but the UFC had no interest in it. To make matters worse for Strickland, the UFC announced a number one contender fight between Robert Whittaker and Khamzat Chimaev.

Israel Adesanya teased fight fans with an Instagram story concerning his appearance in the historic UFC 300 
Israel Adesanya (via Imago)

Adesanya is entering the final phase of his career. He has had a decorated career as a kickboxer and a greater legacy in MMA. At this stage in his career, he indicated having no interest in up-and-comers. Other than DDP, he showed interest in fighting two popular UFC stars. 

If Khamzat [Chimaev] beats Rob [Whittaker]. Yeah, I want to test that if he beats Rob. I'm gonna get Strickland again. I'm definitely gonna get him again.
Israel Adesanya via MMA Hour

Sean Strickland has a fight lined up against Paulo Costa, and if Strickland wins, Adesanya could rematch ‘Tarzan.’ Moreover, the fight between Adesanya and Chimaev will happen if the Chechen fighter defeats Whittaker and the ‘Stylebender’ captures the title from Du Plessis.

Both fights are big money fights, as Strickland and Chimaev are big stars in the UFC. Nonetheless, many see Du Plessis as the worst stylistic matchup for Adesanya. Therefore, Adesanya has to first get through the champion before moving on to the matchups he wants.

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