Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has spoken out about his loss to current titleholder Dricus Du Plessis in the main event of UFC 305 in Perth, Australia.
"I knew he was a good puncher. But his punches didn't turn out to be that strong. I also got stronger and before the fight I weighed almost 3 kg more than usual. I usually weigh 89 kg before the fight, but today I weighed 91.5 kg. I felt like I was winning. I was hitting the body well, he started to react to those punches. Dricus proved to be strong in body and spirit.
But I'm proud of the way I prepared for this fight. Losing hurts. I was unlucky today. I felt good in terms of stamina and he started to get tired. But he showed very serious psychological readiness, strong will. He's a stubborn guy. Dricus is an African champion. He will inspire a new generation of African fighters. Congratulations to him," said Adesanya at the press conference.
Recall, Adesanya lost by choke hold in the fourth round.
