The build-up to UFC 305 is sure to be an interesting experience for Dricus Du Plessis, given the tension that surrounds his first title defense.
Despite them both trading comments for a year now, it still feels like the rivalry between the champion and his challenger, Israel Adesanya, is yet to hit fever pitch.
Du Plessis, however, doesn't see the war of words as anything other than giving back the same energy that he receives from opponents.
He was asked about dealing a '10-8' scorecard to Israel Adesanya during their recent verbal exchange, in an interview with the Hack Check Podcast. The South African said that he's always ready to bite back if others think they can push him around.
If you were coming at me, listen, I will never ever be bullied or pushed around. It's not going to happen so I'm always good to go. If you treat me with respect, if we make it about the fight only, that's the way I'm going to handle it. I mean, look at myself and Whittaker, look at myself and even Darren Till, he was chilled when we were at a presser. Every single guy that I fought before this, it wasn't necessary because even look at Strickland, I was respectful and it wasn't the trash talking at all up until he tried to bully me with the mic. That's not gonna happen and that's exactly what happened there [against Israel Adesanya].
Dricus Du Plessis Predicts That Israel Adesanya Will Retire After UFC 305
Despite the fact that both men clearly do not see eye-to-eye on some subjects, Du Plessis has given Adesanya his dues for the career that he has had.
The champion is confident that he is steps ahead of the returning Adesanya at this point but that doesn't mean he feels the need to discredit "The Last Stylebender".
Du Plessis also said in the interview that he expects his opponent to announce his retirement from MMA following their fight on August 17, in Perth.
He once again gave Adesanya props for what he has achieved and said that he has "earned" his retirement if he fails to reclaim the middleweight title.
Yes. I don't give it a lot of thought because it doesn't really matter to me. It's irrelevant to me but yes probably. But, like I said, it's not really something I think about and it's irrelevant to me. Yeah, I mean, the guy's done it all in the sport. He's had, to say a great career would be almost underselling. He's had one of the greatest careers ever so he's earned it and it'll be a great time [to retire him].
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