Israel Adesanya had high praise for Dricus Du Plessis after watching him defeat Kamaru Usman in the middleweight main event at UFC Fight Night 281 at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.
Adesanya, who was rooting for Usman, said Du Plessis delivered his sharpest showing yet in the UFC spotlight. "It's the best I've seen Dricus look," Adesanya said after the fight.
Breaking down the performance, Adesanya highlighted Du Plessis’ composure and decision-making in key moments. "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. Some of the shots he was throwing, the selection, and then the timing of the knee for that single-leg (takedown), that was a good chess move from their team."
Despite backing Usman, Adesanya credited Du Plessis for the result. "I wanted Kamaru to get it done, but again it just shows how good Dricus is. And good on him."
Adesanya, who was submitted by Du Plessis in their middleweight title fight at UFC 305, also pointed to the broader impact of Du Plessis vs. Usman. "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. I think this is just going to expand the talent pool in African MMA more, and I look forward to it."
