In a gripping main event at UFC 305, South Africa’s Dricus Du Plessis successfully defended his middleweight championship by submitting Israel Adesanya in the fourth round.
The highly anticipated bout, marked by intense pre-fight exchanges over race and identity, ended with Du Plessis securing a rear-naked choke to clinch the victory.
Adesanya, a former two-time champion, entered the octagon determined to reclaim the title he lost to Sean Strickland last year.
However, despite leading on the scorecards after three rounds, Du Plessis turned the fight around with a series of punishing strikes and a crucial takedown, eventually forcing Adesanya to submit.
The match began with both fighters showcasing aggression, as Adesanya landed sharp counters, leaving Du Plessis with a cut on his forehead. Yet, as the fight progressed, Du Plessis’ relentless pressure and superior wrestling began to take its toll.
The tension between the two fighters, fueled by Du Plessis’ controversial claim of being the first “real” African UFC champion, was palpable throughout the contest. While Adesanya started strong, cutting Du Plessis early in the first round, the South African fighter’s wrestling dominated the second round, where he managed to take Adesanya down twice.
The third round saw both fighters trading heavy blows in a bid to establish control, setting the stage for the dramatic conclusion. Du Plessis’ ground game ultimately proved decisive, allowing him to retain his title in his first defense and solidifying his status as the top middleweight.
As Du Plessis celebrates his hard-fought victory, Adesanya faces a challenging path ahead, contemplating his next move after this disappointing defeat.