Dricus Du Plessis on intense UFC 305 faceoff with Israel Adesanya: 'The longer we stood there, the smaller he became'

Reigning UFC middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis and former champ Israel Adesanya faced off as they kicked off the countdown to their huge title clash at UFC 305 in Perth, Australia, and Du Plessis says that he’s ready to do all his talking in the Octagon when they meet in the main event on August 17.

“I wasn’t really focused on what he was saying. I didn’t say anything,” he told Submission Radio after the pair faced off following the ticket on-sale press conference.

“You know, I’m not here to say anything to him. The date is set, there’s no need to be saying anything. And, in terms of the demeanour, this whole demeanour around this whole fight, I can feel this man is trying to convince himself that he still wants to be here.

“In saying that, he has done so much in the sport and he says it’s not about titles anymore. He will never get what he had again – there’s not enough time. He has done what he was going to do in the sport, in terms of legacy.

“Right now he’s talking about so much outside of the sport, instead of talking about what’s going on in the sport. I don’t know. In my opinion, I think this is him trying to show or convince himself that he still wants to do this, that he still has what it takes. But I’m here just to show him that he’s not. And that’s fine. Take your time, enjoy your golf. I’m the new champion, I’m the new king of this division, and I’m going to make sure he knows that.”

The pair engaged in a tense staredown after the conclusion of the press conference, where the pair locked eyes for an extended period of time before finally separating. Du Plessis said he really relished that moment, and said that it sets the table perfectly for the battle ahead.

“I loved it. I loved that staredown,” he said.

“The longer we stood there, the smaller he became – in my eyes and in his own. So, for me, that was great, that was awesome.

“That staredown also gives everybody a feel for what this fight is gonna hold. I have no doubt in my mind that this fight is going to be an absolute banger of a fight. I’ve never been in a boring fight. I know he has been, but not with me. When you’re in that Octagon with me, there’s no way it’s a boring fight, because I will be coming for (you). If it takes 25 minutes, I will be coming and trying to take your head off for 25 minutes.”

And “Stillknocks” doubled down on that approach as he vowed to chase the finish from the very start to the very end when he faces Adesanya on August 17.

“At the end of the day, I’m coming to finish,” he stated.

“I didn’t get a finish in my last fight. I’ve only had two decisions in my career, and that’s more than enough. Both decisions were incredible wars, so I’m happy with that. But I’m coming to finish, I’m coming to prove a point, and I’m going to do it in spectacular fashion.”