Israel Adesanya was called out by the new middleweight champion at UFC 297. Photo: Photosport
South African Dricus Du Plessis has called for Israel Adesanya to return to the cage to settle the score.
The UFC crowned a new middleweight champion on Sunday, South African Dricus Du Plessis.
The culmination of a fiery feud which saw the two engage in a cage side brawl last year, Du Plessis went to war with American Sean Strickland at UFC 297 in Toronto.
Exchanging more than 300 significant strikes, the pair put on a bloody back and forth brawl for the 185-pound strap.
Going all five rounds, a razor thin split decision went the way of the challenger, with Du Plessis scoring 48-47, 47-48, 48-47 to get his hand raised.
The first South African UFC champion then preceded to ignite an old rivalry in his post fight interview with Daniel Cormier.
Israel Adesanya takes a right hand from Sean Strickland. UFC 293. Photo: Photosport
"There was another guy who tried to take my shine. He lost this shine, now I have your shine. Israel Adesanya, get your ass back in the cage so we can settle the score!"
A fight between Adesanya and Du Plessis was touted for UFC 293 in Sydney, however Du Plessis was unable to recover in time from his bout with Robert Whittaker.
Du Plessis and Adesanya shared a heated exchange in the cage following Du Plessis' win, in which Adesanya screamed racial slurs in his face.
The animosity stems from Du Plessis saying he would be the first 'real African' UFC champion, claiming the likes of Adesanya and Kamaru Usman forged their careers in other countries
Strickland would step up on short notice and shock the world, defeating Adesanya in a dominant display on the feet.
Adesanya stated he would be taking an indefinite break from MMA after the loss, though has recently hinted at a 2024 return.
-RNZ
Israel Adesanya walks to the octagon. UFC 293, Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney Olympic Park Australia. Photo: Photosport