In an intense showdown at UFC 305, South African fighter Dricus Du Plessis retained his middleweight title by defeating Nigerian-born Israel Adesanya in the fourth round with a submission.
The fight, filled with tension and animosity, ended with Du Plessis securing a victory through a rear-naked choke, forcing Adesanya to submit.
The clash between Du Plessis and Adesanya had been highly anticipated, not just for the championship but also due to the pre-fight controversies surrounding race and identity. Du Plessis, who had previously made headlines by claiming to be the first “real” African UFC champion, sparked strong reactions, particularly from Adesanya.
From the start of the fight, both competitors showed aggression. Adesanya, a former two-time middleweight champion, aimed to reclaim the title he lost to Sean Strickland last September. He landed sharp counters early on, cutting Du Plessis on the forehead. Despite these efforts, Du Plessis demonstrated resilience, gradually turning the fight in his favor.
By the fourth round, Du Plessis, who had been trailing 2-1 on the scorecards, managed to shift the momentum. He unleashed a series of powerful hooks and jabs, followed by a decisive takedown that led to the submission hold. As Du Plessis locked Adesanya into a rear-naked choke, the Nigerian-born fighter had no option but to tap out.
Du Plessis’ wrestling skills and relentless pressure throughout the fight were key to his victory. In the second round, he had already begun to assert his dominance by dragging Adesanya down twice, showcasing his ground game. The third round featured intense exchanges, with both fighters battling fiercely for control.
The victory marked Du Plessis’ first successful title defense, solidifying his position at the top of the middleweight division. Reflecting on the fight, Du Plessis’ win highlights his prowess in the octagon and leaves Adesanya facing the tough question of what comes next in his career after this bitter loss.
The animosity between the two fighters was palpable throughout the contest, making the outcome even more dramatic. For now, Du Plessis stands tall as the reigning middleweight champion, with Adesanya left to regroup and consider his future in the UFC.