South African superstar Dricus du Plessis successfully defended his UFC Middleweight title on Sunday morning, clinching a victory against former champion Israel Adesanya at UFC 305 in Perth, Australia.
"And here I am, still champion baby." 🎤@DricusDuPlessis reacts to his win over Israel Adesanya at #UFC305! pic.twitter.com/cASRuiyafu
— UFC (@ufc) August 18, 2024
Du Plessis made a memorable entrance to the RAC Arena Octagon, accompanied by South Africa’s two-time Rugby World Cup champions Siya Kolisi and Eben Etzebeth. The fight pitted Du Plessis against one of the greatest Middleweights of all time in Adesanya, who sought to become a three-time champion. Despite Adesanya’s ambitions, Du Plessis secured his title by submitting Adesanya via a rear-naked choke in the fourth round.
The bout began with both fighters cautiously feeling each other out in the first round. Adesanya used his superior reach to land some clean body kicks, but Du Plessis attempted a takedown that Adesanya successfully neutralized. During an exchange, Adesanya landed a punch that cut Du Plessis, but the South African responded with a crisp right hand and a heavy front kick to the body.
The second round saw Du Plessis take control. As the pace accelerated, Adesanya led with jabs, but Du Plessis managed a significant takedown and transitioned to Adesanya’s back, though his rear-naked choke attempt was initially unsuccessful. Du Plessis continued to disrupt Adesanya’s striking by implementing a wrestling-heavy approach, shooting for takedowns five times.
Adesanya dominated the third round, showcasing his elite striking skills. Despite Du Plessis’s attempts to stay in the pocket and land heavy shots, Adesanya’s superior striking led to a round full of significant strikes from the Nigerian-born fighter.
As the championship rounds approached, Adesanya seemed fresher, but Du Plessis’s resilience shone through. Adesanya started with impressive combos and light footwork, but Du Plessis’s left hand, followed by a double jab and right hook, ultimately led to Adesanya’s downfall. Du Plessis took Adesanya’s back and secured the fight with a tight rear-naked choke.
In a post-fight interview, Du Plessis expressed his respect for Adesanya, saying, “Suid Afrika, dit lyk vir my hulle sal nooit leer nie, hulle weet nie wat ons weet nie. I was fighting one of the greatest in the division, the king of getting back up and so I had to do my best to keep him there.” He acknowledged Adesanya’s elite kickboxing skills and expressed honor in sharing the Octagon with him.
Adesanya, ever the sportsman, reflected on the fight, “To be honest, I knew he was always going to be a tough fight, but I felt strong in there, I just made a stupid mistake. I am disappointed in myself, but I am proud because this is the best I have ever felt. I was beaten by the better man. Well done to him.”
"It was an honor for me." 👊@DricusDuPlessis speaks on the rivalry with Israel Adesanya. #UFC305 pic.twitter.com/vEke49Py5j
— UFC (@ufc) August 18, 2024
🏆🏆🏆#UFC305 | @DricusDuPlessis 🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/ZEjtk9r4ns
— UFC (@ufc) August 18, 2024
Prelim Card Results
- Valter Walker defeated Junior Tafa by technical submission (ankle lock) in round 1
- Ricardo Ramos defeated Josh Culibao by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
- Casey O’Neill defeated Luana Santos by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)
- Jack Jenkins defeated Herbert Burns by TKO (strikes) at 0:48 of Round 3
- Tom Nolan defeated Alex Reyes by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
- Song Kenan defeated Ricky Glenn by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-26, 29-28)
- Jesus Aguilar defeated Stewart Nicoll by submission (guillotine choke) at 2:39 of Round 1
Main Card Results
- Dricus du Plessis defeated Israel Adesanya by submission (rear-naked choke) in round four
- Kai Kara-France defeated Steve Erceg via TKO (strikes) in round 1
- Dan Hooker defeated Mateusz Gamrot via split decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- Jairzinho Rozenstruik defeated Tai Tuivasa via split decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
- Carlos Prates defeated Jingliang Li via KO in round 2
For more details, visit the original article on IOL.
