South African Dominance: Du Plessis Chokes Out Adesanya to Retain UFC Middleweight Crown
Dricus du Plessis successfully defended his UFC middleweight championship, submitting former champion Israel Adesanya in the fourth round of a thrilling main event at UFC 305 in Perth, Australia.
The bout was a tense back-and-forth affair, with both fighters displaying their signature styles. Adesanya's pinpoint counterpunching and precise body work threatened to wear down the champion, but Du Plessis countered with explosive striking and takedowns.
The turning point came in the fourth round, as Adesanya appeared to be gaining momentum. However, Du Plessis, exhibiting immense heart and determination, unleashed a barrage of right hands, stunning the former champion. Capitalising on the opportunity, Du Plessis secured a takedown, quickly transitioning to Adesanya's back and sinking in a rear-naked choke. The submission came at 3:38 of the round, ending Adesanya's reign and marking the first submission loss of his MMA career.
"I came in here to die for this belt or take a life," Du Plessis stated post-fight, highlighting the intensity of the encounter. "Luckily, I didn't have to do either."
The fight was not just a battle for the championship; it was a heated rivalry fuelled by a long-standing debate regarding the identity of the first "true" African UFC champion. While Adesanya, born in Lagos, Nigeria, currently resides in Auckland, New Zealand, Du Plessis was born and raised in Pretoria, South Africa. The rivalry intensified when Du Plessis disregarded previous African-born UFC champions, including Adesanya himself, Kamaru Usman, and Francis Ngannou, claiming to be the first champion born, raised, and residing on the continent.
Despite the intense build-up and the heated rhetoric, both fighters displayed mutual respect after the fight.
"I'm really sorry that it came across that I disrespected the fact that he's from Africa," Du Plessis, 30, acknowledged. "That was never my intention. Africa would have won regardless, but tonight South Africa was the victor. It was an honour for me to share this cage with a legend and I have the utmost respect for him."
This victory marked Du Plessis' first successful title defence since defeating Sean Strickland in January. His next opponent, however, will be a familiar one. UFC president Dana White confirmed that Strickland will receive another shot at the title, setting up a rematch for Du Plessis.
"I want to hear 'And Still,'" Du Plessis declared, demonstrating his unwavering focus on retaining the championship. "That's the only thing I care about. I don't care about the opponent."
Adesanya, 35, returns to the drawing board following his first submission loss. Despite the defeat, he remains resolute in his pursuit of the championship.
"I'm not f-king leaving," he declared, signaling his intent to return to the Octagon and reclaim the title.
The future for both fighters is brimming with anticipation. Du Plessis faces a formidable opponent in the rematch against Strickland, while Adesanya embarks on a quest to regain his former glory. One thing is certain, however: the middleweight division remains a hotbed of talent and intense competition, promising an exciting future for fans.
