Adesanya battles Du Plessis for UFC middleweight belt

The highly anticipated UFC middleweight title showdown between Israel Adesanya and Dricus du Plessis, dubbed the “Battle for Africa,” headlines the promotion’s first-ever all-African title fight on Sunday morning in Perth, Australia.

With cultural pride, national identity, and the coveted middleweight belt on the line, the clash has evolved beyond mere sport into a charged debate over who can rightfully claim to be Africa’s true champion.

The tension between these two fighters has been simmering for months, sparked by Du Plessis’ challenge to the legitimacy of Adesanya and other African-born UFC champions like Kamaru Usman and Francis Ngannou.

Du Plessis, who trains and resides in South Africa, insists his presence on the continent gives him a stronger claim to the title of “African King.” In contrast, Adesanya, who was born in Lagos but moved to New Zealand at age 10, has fiercely defended his African roots, accusing Du Plessis of disrespecting the legacy of past African champions.

“Did those belts ever go to Africa?” Du Plessis once retorted, alluding to the fact that Adesanya, Usman, and Ngannou all train overseas. That remark ignited a firestorm, leading to the heated confrontation between the two fighters after Du Plessis’ victory over Robert Whittaker last July.

The altercation, labelled by commentators as the “Battle for Africa,” set the stage for what has now become one of the most culturally charged fights in UFC history.

Adesanya, twice holder of the middleweight belt, has downplayed the significance of reclaiming the title in comparison to the importance of settling the score with Du Plessis.

“Beating Dricus is more important than the belt,” Adesanya said.

“This fight is about history, legacy, and pride.”

Du Plessis, on the other hand, is determined to cement his place as the first true African champion by keeping the title on the continent.

The fight is more than just a personal grudge match; it carries significant weight for the future of mixed martial arts in Africa. UFC President Dana White has long hinted at plans to bring the UFC to Africa, with South Africa and Nigeria being primary targets.

The UFC’s growing fanbase in Africa underscores the sport’s potential on the continent. In Cameroon, Francis Ngannou’s charitable foundation built the nation’s first full MMA gym in 2019, while in Nigeria, Kamaru Usman has announced plans to create a training facility at the University of Lagos. The expansion of MMA infrastructure could be key to nurturing the next generation of African champions.

The cultural dimension of the Adesanya vs. Du Plessis rivalry has not only captivated audiences but also served as a marketing masterstroke for the UFC. The debate over who can rightfully claim to be Africa’s true champion has drawn unprecedented attention to the sport across the continent.