In a thrilling display of martial arts prowess, South African fighter Dricus du Plessis successfully defended his middleweight championship at UFC 305, submitting Israel Adesanya in a hard-fought battle that went the distance.
The fight was a back-and-forth affair, with both fighters showcasing their skills and determination. Du Plessis, known for his aggressive fighting style, landed some early takedowns and controlled the pace of the fight. However, Adesanya, a former champion, countered with a relentless assault, targeting du Plessis’ body with a barrage of strikes throughout the middle rounds.
The punishment seemed to take its toll on du Plessis, who appeared visibly fatigued as the fight progressed. However, in the fourth round, du Plessis landed a crucial right hook to the side of Adesanya’s head, creating the opportunity he needed. Swiftly capitalizing on the moment, du Plessis secured a takedown and transitioned into a choke hold, forcing Adesanya to tap out in submission.
This victory marks du Plessis’ third successful title defense in the competitive middleweight division. Earlier this year, he defeated Sean Strickland by split decision at UFC 297, adding another feather to his cap.
Adesanya, meanwhile, was making his first appearance since losing the middleweight title to Strickland in Sydney last September. His attempt to reclaim the title fell short, and he now faces the challenge of rebuilding his path to the top.
The fight took place at the sold-out RAC Arena in Perth, Australia, and was a highlight of the UFC 305 event. It provided fans with an intense and exciting display of mixed martial arts, showcasing the talent and determination of both fighters.
The event also saw a hometown favorite, Steve Erceg, suffer a first-round knockout loss in his flyweight bout against New Zealand’s Kai Kara-France. It was Erceg’s first fight since his unanimous decision loss to champion Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 301 in May.
