In a highly charged main event at UFC 305, South African fighter Dricus Du Plessis successfully defended his middleweight title by defeating Nigerian-born Israel Adesanya via submission in the fourth round.
The bout, marked by intense pre-fight animosity related to race and identity, reached a dramatic climax when Du Plessis secured victory with a rear-n@k3d choke.
Adesanya, a former two-time champion, entered the fight with the goal of reclaiming the title he had lost to Sean Strickland last September.
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Despite trailing 2-1 on the scorecards as they entered the fourth round, Du Plessis shifted the momentum with a series of powerful hooks and jabs, culminating in a decisive takedown.
Once he had Adesanya locked into the choke, the Nigerian-born fighter was forced to submit.
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The fight opened with both fighters demonstrating aggression, with Adesanya landing precise counters and slicing Du Plessis’ forehead early on. Despite this, Du Plessis’ relentless pressure and superior wrestling began to overpower Adesanya as the bout continued.
The atmosphere was highly charged, fueled by Du Plessis’ controversial claim of being the first “real” African UFC champion, a statement that clearly unsettled Adesanya.
Adesanya managed to cut Du Plessis in the first round, but Du Plessis turned the tide in the second round with his effective wrestling, securing two takedowns.
The third round was marked by fierce stand-up exchanges as both fighters vied for control, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.
Adesanya, a former two-time champion, sought to reclaim his title but was ultimately outperformed by Du Plessis’ ground game.
Du Plessis’ victory by submission in his first title defense cements his status as the middleweight champion, while Adesanya is left to consider his next steps following the tough loss.
