Kamaru Usman returns to action at UFC 286 as he fights Leon Edwards for the welterweight title. He lost to Edwards via KO during their second fight at UFC 278. Usman was given the opportunity of an immediate rematch, which very few fighters get. The bout goes down this weekend on March 18 and the fighters recently appeared for a media day scrum.
However, it resulted in a big controversy between him and Dricus Du Plessis. Dricus recently claimed that he was a true African fighter in the UFC as he still resided in the continent. While fighters like Israel Adesanya, Kamaru Usman, and Francis Ngannou have African heritage, none of them currently reside in their respective countries of origin. Usman did not take the comments kindly and had his say on the matter.
The Nigerian Nightmare added, “The thing about me is I try not to be quick to jump on someone and really kill them for those things…but, I understand what he’s trying to say. The one thing I think he’s failing to realize is just because I go to China and my parents are in China, I’m raised in China, doesn’t make me more Chinese than people from China…just because you went over to South Africa doesn’t make you African.” (h/t via MMA News)
The former UFC welterweight champ was born in the Auchi area of Edo, Nigeria. As fans know, Nigeria is one of the most well-known countries in the African continent. Although his family later moved to the United States of America, Kamau very much remains loyal to his African heritage. Hence. there is no wonder why Usman perhaps found Du Plessis’ comments somewhat triggering.
Kamaru Usman faces criticism for his dig at Dricus Du Plessis
Although there was not much wrong with what Kamaru Usman had to say, he got one part of it wrong. While Usman hinted that Dricus Du Plessis only grew up in South Africa because his parents moved there, that is not quite true. The 29-year-old was born in Pretoria, South Africa. So Dricus was factually correct when he said that he was a true African fighter, as he still lives in his birth country.
Hence, fans did not quite receive Kamaru Usman’s comments positively. Many fans pointed out that Du Plessis was indeed born in Africa and some even slammed Usman for his misinformed statements. So what are the fans saying exactly? Let’s find out.
Here are some fan reactions on the matter
I don’t think he realizes he was actually born and raised in South Africa rather than his family moving there from somewhere else and then growing up there.
— DerrickTheAllAmericanLewis (@DerrickWrestles) March 15, 2023
Marty ! The Nebraskan Nightmare ! pic.twitter.com/GZSiYxws44
— desert.punk ⚙️ (@dirtrabb) March 15, 2023
Was Dricus not born in South Africa?
— Maditaliangla (@tally9219) March 15, 2023
This is an L for Usman.
— AfrikanChef_ZA ™ (@AfrikanChefZA) March 15, 2023
But he is more African lol
— H (@H32062074) March 15, 2023
Usman wrong here. Usman migrated to the US when he was 8. Dricus born and raised and still resides in Africa
— Sal Perie (@SalvPerie) March 16, 2023
That's a dumb statement from Marty from Nebraska
— ALOK NAYAK (@ALOKNAYAK065) March 16, 2023
UFC President Dana White has repeatedly stated the company is looking to hold its first event in Africa very soon. With Francis Ngannou out of the UFC, it is more likely that superstars like Israel Adesanya and Kamaru Usman will feature on the card.
But, Dricus has been quietly building up a great resume. From submitting Darren Till to beating Derek Brunson, he is on a great run. So he might be one of the contenders to headline the potential event as well! However, it will all depend on how the landscape of the company is by then. What are your thoughts on Usman’s comments on Du Plessis? Let us know in the comments down below.
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