DRICUS DU PLESSIS had a blunt message for his critics moments after notching his first title defence.
The South African made the maiden defence of his middleweight crown early on Sunday morning in the main event of UFC 305 in Perth, Australia.
Du Plessis continued his reign as the king of the 185ers with a fourth-round submission win over former champ Israel Adesanya.
DDP went into the Perth punch-up as a huge underdog, with several experts publicly picking against him.
And he had some choice words for them as he strode past media row on his way backstage.
The 30-year-old said: “Every one of you guys that said I’m not ready, haha.
“I made you look like dumb***es.”
Adesanya looked like the Last Stylebender of old in his first outing in nearly a year.
He showcased the beautiful striking and takedown defence that were ever-present in his first title run.
But he was forced to submit to a rear-naked choke after being taken down as he retreated from a barrage of right hands.
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In his initial assessment of the bout, the Nigerian-born Kiwi said: “I already knew he was going to be tough, so it wasn’t a surprise.
“But I was quite strong in there. I felt strong and able to resist his takedowns.
“I just made a stupid mistake on the ground and he adjusted to the gable grip and then got me.”
He later added: “I didn’t do what I wanted to do tonight and I’m disappointed in myself.
“But at the same time, I’m proud becuase this is the best I’ve ever felt, this is the best I’ve ever looked.
“And I just had the better man on the night I’ll give him respect for that.”
