Three Kings to Four Horsemen: Dricus Du Plessis ‘honored’ to be part of African legacy featuring Kamaru Usman and Israel Adesanya

Dricus Du Plessis reacts to his inclusion in the Three African Kings alongside Israel Adesanya, Kamaru Usman, and Francis Ngannou.

Three Kings to Four Horsemen: Dricus Du Plessis ‘honored’ to be part of African legacy featuring Kamaru Usman and Israel Adesanya

Dricus Du Plessis is honored to be a part of the Three Kings of African (Image via MMA Mania/Instagram)

Over the years, there have been several intense rivalries fueled by anger over various issues. One noteworthy rivalry is between UFC middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis and Israel Adesanya. Interestingly, both fighters share an African heritage, which adds another layer to their competition. However, recently, there have been some major developments surrounding the rivalry.

Former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman, alongside Israel Adesanya, has also expressed a strong animosity toward Dricus Du Plessis. However, in a surprising twist, Usman recognized that Du Plessis is also a proud representative of African heritage in the UFC. In response, ahead of his upcoming fight, the reigning UFC middleweight champion expressed his gratitude for this honor.

Yeah, absolutely. It’s a massive honor and privilege to be a part of that group, and you know, if you look at guys like Kamaru, Francis, and Israel—absolute greats in this sport—and now Dricus Du Plessis to era and being part of that group is a massive honor…. Being part of that group is something that doesn’t mean anything to anybody else, but to me, as an African-born fighter, African-raised, African-residing Champion, just like for them, it means the absolute world to be a part of that group.

Dricus Du Plessis via UFC 312 Media-Day presser
YouTube video

The former champions—Israel Adesanya, Kamaru Usman, and Francis Ngannou—represent the three African Kings of UFC. The rivalry between the three African Kings and Dricus Du Plessis has intensified because of one major reason.

FS Video

Du Plessis has often dismissed their credibility and heritage as the first true African fighters to win the UFC belts. He argues that they left Africa to pursue their careers in other countries, while he chose to remain in South Africa.

Before the fight between Du Plessis and Adesanya, everything was different. Following that match, where DDP defeated the former UFC middleweight champion, the landscape transformed significantly. The South African fighter received widespread praise from the UFC community. Notably, even Kamaru Usman acknowledged Du Plessis’ impressive performance.

Dricus Du Plessis talks about Israel Adesanya’s legacy after UFC Saudi Arabia defeat

Israel Adesanya is undoubtedly one of the most exceptional middleweight fighters in UFC history. Over the years, he has built an impressive reputation. It has earned him the respect of both rising superstars and seasoned veterans within the UFC community. Notably, even Adesanya’s former rivals, including Dricus Du Plessis, share this admiration for the Nigerian-born Kiwi fighter.

Dricus Du Plessis in action against Israel Adesanya at UFC 305
Dricus Du Plessis in action against Israel Adesanya at UFC 305 (Image via Forbes)

Currently, Adesanya is not performing at his best and is struggling to gain momentum in the promotion. He has lost three consecutive fights. Most recently, ‘Izzy’ faced prospect Nassourdine Imavov, but was unable to capitalize on that opportunity. The 185 lbs champion Du Plessis also reflected on Adesanya’s legacy in light of the defeat.

For Izzy I don’t think there is another title run… His legacy is cemented and will always be there and whatever he feels like doing he can do. I put him in the same category as Anderson Silva at this stage. Lose as many fights as you want. You’ll always have your legacy. Anderson Silva after when his reign ended, I don’t care how many times he lost, he was still my GOAT… And I feel Izzy is in that area.

Dricus Du Plessis via UFC 312 Media-Day presser (Check from 24:23)

Du Plessis noted that former UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva was on a dominant run before experiencing a decline that ultimately led to his retirement. Similarly, Du Plessis pointed out that Adesanya’s career trajectory seems to be following a comparable path to Silva’s. Now, it remains to be seen whether Adesanya can turn his losing streak around.

Related: Sean Strickland Net Worth, Endorsements, UFC contract, Wife and House