The world middleweight champion from South Africa, Dricus du Plessis, is geared and ready to face Israel Adesanya in the main event of UFC 305 in Perth on Sunday.

This will be Du Plessis’ first title defence after sensationally winning the title when he beat Sean Strickland in Toronto earlier in the year. Adesanya from Nigeria is expected to be Du Plessis’ toughest fight to date, but for the South African, the fight will be extra special as the Springboks will be in attendance. At the same time, Captain Siya Kolisi and Eben Etzebeth will walk out to the octagon with him.

Dricus du Plessis after beating Sean Strickland in Toronto. Picture: Facebook

When asked why he wanted to fight in Perth, the Welkom-born Du Plessis (30) said it was because the Boks will be facing the Wallabies in the city as well and for him, it’s an honour to have his heroes come and watch him.

“The Springboks, our national team, four-time world champions and back-to-back world champions, are playing at the Optus Stadium on Saturday,” said Du Plessis.

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“They are our heroes – they are the mighty Springboks. The team is coming to watch my fight – the whole national team. I mean, they are my heroes. It’s the whole country’s heroes coming to watch me perform. It is a massive, massive privilege.

“When we started this weeks ago – four, five weeks ago, I said, ‘is there any chance we can make this happen?’ We started going after it and thank you to the UFC for making this possible.”

The action in Perth will begin at 4 am on Sunday and Du Plessis’ fight will take place at approximately 06:30 am.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg/mvh