Till advises Adesanya on how to beat du Plessis at UFC 305
Ex-UFC fighter Darren Till has told Israel Adesanya what he needs to do to get the better of Dricus du Plessis in his upcoming fight for the middleweight belt at UFC 305 in Perth on Sunday.
Du Plessis captured the title in January, securing a split decision victory over Sean Strickland to take his UFC record to 7-0.
On his path to becoming champion, the South African defeated former welterweight title challenger Till at UFC 282 in 2022.
Although the Englishman was unable to overcome du Plessis himself, he is keen to assist Adesanya in his preparations.
Till urges Adesanya to throw feints and stand his ground
“Got some advice for Izzy on how to fight DDP on Saturday,” Till said on X.
“Lots of feints… He reacts to them so much and throws from the hills.
“Then you can step back.
“Have a look and either for the punch combo or knee maybe a kick.
“You’re a high-level striker so you know what I’m on about.
“Everyone on here won’t have a clue but they will try to understand it.
“Only the elite strikers get it.
“As he rushes in also do what you did against Rob [Whittaker] and I did the same.
“Yours knocked Rob out as where as mine didn’t but still same same.
“DDP will still rush in.
“Instead of standing back or going back like most of these silly stupid strikers do… stand your ground and just hit him with either again the punch combo or even a knee up the middle.
“I personally love the elbow as they are lunging in but it’s whatever suits at that time and whatever you have practiced.”
Till’s unsolicited advice has not been well received by UFC fans, with a plethora of comments berating him for instructing one of the best strikers in the world how to punch.
Du Plessis underdog despite holding title
Du Plessis holds the UFC middleweight belt, yet bookmaker PlayUp has him slated as a $2.10 outsider to retain the title.
That leaves Adesanya as a marginal favourite at $1.77 odds.
The Nigeria-born New Zealander will be the toughest test du Plessis has faced in the division.
He is a former UFC middleweight champion and has significant height and speed advantages, which UFC bookies are predicting will make life difficult for du Plessis.