Dricus Du Plessis submits Israel Adesanya to retain UFC crown
In a high-stakes showdown at Perth Arena, South Africa’s Dricus du Plessis successfully defended his UFC middleweight title, overcoming former two-time champion Israel Adesanya with a decisive fourth-round submission.
The electrifying event, held on Sunday, August 18, 2024, saw du Plessis triumph with a rear-naked choke, further cementing his dominance in the 185-pound division.
The main event of UFC 305 was highly anticipated, with du Plessis, now on a 10-fight winning streak, facing Adesanya, who had significant crowd support in the sold-out 15,000-seat arena.
The South African champion, who originally claimed the belt by defeating Sean Strickland earlier in January, showed resilience and strategy throughout the bout.
Du Plessis, accompanied to the Octagon by South Africa’s rugby captain Siya Kolisi and second-rower Eben Etzebeth, was welcomed with his nation’s anthem resonating through the venue.
Despite his fierce appearance, du Plessis had to endure a challenging match.
Adesanya, known for his superior reach and kickboxing background, seemed to have an early edge, utilizing his longer reach to fend off du Plessis’s aggression.
The fight began with both fighters cautiously measuring each other, but the pace soon escalated.
Adesanya landed several impactful kicks, and du Plessis ended the first round with a significant cut on his forehead.
However, du Plessis struck back in the second round with a powerful left-handed punch and followed up with a big takedown, taking control of Adesanya’s back.
Despite du Plessis’s efforts, Adesanya managed to escape a submission and continued to wear down the South African in the third round.
The former champion appeared to be on the verge of reclaiming the belt as he landed cleaner punches, pushing du Plessis into a defensive position.
However, in a dramatic turn of events, du Plessis found his second wind in the fourth round.
A powerful blow from the South African wobbled Adesanya, allowing du Plessis to capitalize on the moment. He swiftly transitioned into a rear-naked choke, forcing Adesanya to submit and securing his title defense.
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After the fight, du Plessis expressed his determination, stating, “I came in here to die for this belt. I came here to take it home. Here I am, still the champion.”
Adesanya, despite his disappointment, acknowledged his opponent’s victory. “I’m disappointed, but at the same time I’m proud because this is the best I’ve felt and looked,” he said. “I just had the better man on the night, and I’ll give him respect for that.”
The event also featured other notable bouts, including a flyweight match where New Zealand’s Kai Kara-France stunned the crowd with a first-round knockout of Australian Steve Erceg.
Additionally, Jairzinho Rozenstruik of Suriname secured a split-decision victory over Australian Tai Tuivasa in the heavyweight division.
The intense rivalry and high level of competition in UFC 305 made it a night to remember, with du Plessis’s victory solidifying his status as one of the top fighters in the UFC.
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