Adesanya vs du Plessis gets personal ahead of UFC 305

The middleweight championship fight taking place at UFC 305 in Perth has got personal, with Israel Adesanya and Dricus du Plessis exchanging barbed words ahead of the clash on Sunday.

The pair met for a UFC 305 press conference on Friday, during which du Plessis made a comment that Adesanya took objection to.

“Are you taking your servants with you when you’re going back?” asked du Plessis, when Adesanya mentioned he would be heading to Nigeria after the weekend’s fight.

In response, Adesanya launched into an emotional tirade, ending with the 35-year-old in tears.

Adesanya takes exception to du Plessis comments

“What the f*** are you even on about?” began Adesanya.

“Shut the f*** up, you don’t know anything about my story.

“You have no idea who the f*** I am.

“My father and myself had to wake up at 4 am and clean the banks while my mum studies to be a nurse.

“You don’t know my f***ing story. Don’t f***ing speak of my story if you don’t know my story.”

Adesanya went on to declare his intentions on Sunday, in response to du Plessis’ remarks.

“I will show you who you are Sunday so right now, shut the f*** up,” he said.

“Sunday, I’m going to f***ing kill your dreams, b****!”

Why Adesanya got so emotional

Later in the press conference, a tearful Adesanya explained why du Plessis’ comment had him so riled up.

“He touched a subject there because I do this for my family,” the Nigerian-Kiwi shared.

“I do this for the people I love, and I will fight for you forever. I swear to God.

“Look, I’m a f***ing human being. I’m a man.

“I can cry and whoop your ass at the same time.”

UFC bookmakers give Adesanya an edge in outright betting this weekend, but only just.

The former champion pays $1.80 to win, while du Plessis is just behind on $2 at Neds.

Method of victory odds project the clash to finish by way of decision in Adesanya’s favour, with this result paying $3.10 with PlayUp.

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