"This guy has given me trouble. He's one of the greatest punchers in the history of the sport. Like I said, I was willing to die for that belt. It was an honor to share the octagon with a legend. I paid my respects to him after the fight. I'm sorry that we had an altercation before the fight," said Du Plessis.
Du Plessis defeated Adesanya by choke in the fourth round. For the 30-year-old African it became the second successful defense of the UFC title in the division up to 185 pounds.