Dricus Du Plessis earned another admirer after his dominant showing at UFC Fight Night 281, and this time it came from one of his biggest rivals.
Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya admitted Du Plessis delivered the best performance of his career in Saturday’s main event in Oklahoma City. Although Adesanya was pulling for longtime friend Kamaru Usman, he had no hesitation praising the South African champion after the fight.
Adesanya Calls It Du Plessis’ Best Performance
Du Plessis outworked Usman across five rounds, showcasing improved striking, sharp timing, and strong defensive awareness. Watching the fight, Adesanya told his Youtube channel that he noticed a more polished version of the man who submitted him at UFC 305.
“It’s the best I’ve seen Dricus look.”
“He looked less out of position when he finished punching, when he initiated punching. Sometimes he still did his thing, but he looked really good.”
Despite hoping to see Usman come away with the victory, Adesanya acknowledged Du Plessis was simply the better fighter that night.
“I wanted Kamaru to get it done, but again it just shows how good Dricus is.”
Rivalry Aside, African MMA Continues to Grow
The relationship between Adesanya and Du Plessis has included plenty of tension, especially after Du Plessis’ comments in 2024 about being the UFC’s only “true African” champion because he trains in Africa.
While that debate has cooled, Adesanya believes Saturday’s headliner was a positive moment for the sport across the continent.
“Just for African MMA because off this, every time one of these happens, look, another two African fighters fight in the main event, the whole continent is going to watch.”
“Even though it’s just a Fight Night, they’re still going to watch and support.”