Dricus du Plessis has embraced Kamaru Usman’s recognition after the former welterweight champion included him in the exclusive group of African UFC champions.
Du Plessis retained his middleweight title at UFC 305, submitting Israel Adesanya in a hard-fought battle in Perth, Australia. His victory solidified his place as the fourth UFC champion of African descent, following Usman, Adesanya, and Francis Ngannou.
Despite past tensions, Usman acknowledged du Plessis’ achievement, expanding the ‘Three African Kings’ moniker to the “Four Horsemen.” He stated:
“Dricus du Plessis is the fourth African champion right now, so there are four horsemen. We’ve moved on from the three kings to where now it’s four horsemen.”
Du Plessis repeatedly reiterated that he was the first true Africa-based champion, dismissing his predecessors’ ties to the continent since they left. This led to friction, particularly with Adesanya and Usman, who previously took offense to the remarks.
However, du Plessis welcomed Usman’s acknowledgment, calling it an honor:
“I think it’s incredible. I think sport brings people together. I mean there’s rivalries, of course, because at the end of day, we’re getting in there trying to kill each other but it’s nothing personal especially to me. It’s business and you know, Kamaru saying that, it’s incredible. I mean it’s a massive honor for me to be a part of that group… What the four of us have achieved is incredible and for me being a part of that you know. it’s amazing and I appreciate it.”
Sportskeeda
