Israel Adesanya receives warm welcome in Nigeria after loss to Du Plessis

UFC champ Israel Adesanya

UFC fighter Israel Adesanya on Wednesday arrived in Lagos to a warm reception following his defeat to South African Dricus Du Plessis on Saturday.

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) headed by a former member of the House of Representatives Abike Dabiri-Erewa announced Adesanya’s arrival on X.

Adesanya was accompanied by his parents and received by the staff of the NiDCOM at the airport.

“Ealier today, Nigerian-born, New Zealand Professional Kickboxer, Israel Mobolaji Temitayo Odunayo Oluwafemi Owolabi Adesanya (#stylebender) arrived in Lagos today, accompanied by his parents and warmly received by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NiDCOM staff,” NIDCOM wrote on X.

Adesanya succumbed to a fourth-round submission loss to Du Plessis in their middleweight title showdown at UFC 305 in Perth last Saturday.

Reports said Adesanya, despite the loss, bagged around $1 million from the fight while Du Plessis got about half the amount.