In an intense showdown at UFC 305 in Perth, Australia, South African Dricus du Plessis defended his middleweight championship by defeating Israel Adesanya with a submission after enduring a barrage of body hits across four grueling rounds on Sunday.
Du Plessis (22-2) initially scored some early takedowns but found himself under heavy pressure in the middle rounds as Adesanya launched a relentless series of body strikes. These hits appeared to take a toll on the South African, leaving many to wonder if he could maintain his composure and stamina.
The turning point came in the fourth round when du Plessis landed a critical left hook followed by a series of three powerful rights. This sequence brought Adesanya down, providing du Plessis with the perfect opening to secure a choke hold. Adesanya, unable to escape, tapped out at 3:38 into the round, cementing du Plessis’ victory.
“This man is the king of getting back up,” du Plessis remarked about Adesanya, who was striving to reclaim the middleweight title for the third time. “I’m still alive, that’s a bonus. I came here to die for this belt and to take a life. I’m still champion, baby.”
The atmosphere at the sold-out RAC Arena was electrified by tensions that had been escalating prior to the fight. The animosity boiled over when du Plessis responded to Adesanya’s claim that he would take the belt back to Africa if he won by questioning whether Adesanya would bring his servants along.
Despite the pre-fight hostility, which included both fighters refusing to touch gloves at the start, there was a surprising display of sportsmanship post-fight. “I’m really sorry that it came across that I disrespected the fact that he’s from Africa,” du Plessis said. “That was never my intention. Africa would have won regardless, but tonight South Africa was the victor.”
This victory marks the third time du Plessis has successfully defended his middleweight title, and the second defense victory this year, following his split decision win over Sean Strickland in January at UFC 297.
Up next for du Plessis is a return title-defense bout against Strickland, with the date yet to be determined.
Adesanya (24-4), at 35 years old, was making his first appearance after an 11-month sabbatical following his unanimous decision loss of the middleweight title to Strickland in Sydney in September of last year. Despite his latest setback, Adesanya remains optimistic about his career. “This is the best I’ve ever felt. I’m 35, I’m doing the right things. I’m not … leaving,” he declared.
In an earlier bout, hometown favorite Steve Erceg suffered a first-round technical knockout in his flyweight contest against New Zealand’s Kai Kara-France. This defeat came in Erceg’s first fight since he was unanimously outpointed by champion Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 301 in Brazil last May.
