In a highly anticipated main event at UFC 305, South African fighter Dricus Du Plessis successfully defended his middleweight title by defeating Nigerian-born Israel Adesanya with a submission in the fourth round.
The grudge match, fueled by pre-fight tensions around race and identity, reached a dramatic conclusion when Du Plessis secured the win with a rear-naked choke.
Adesanya, a former two-time champion, entered the fight determined to reclaim the belt he lost to Sean Strickland last September.
Despite trailing 2-1 on the scorecards going into the fourth round, Du Plessis turned the fight in his favor with a series of powerful hooks and jabs, followed by a decisive takedown.
Once Du Plessis locked in the choke, Adesanya was forced to submit.
The fight began with both fighters showing aggression, with Adesanya landing sharp counters and cutting Du Plessis on the forehead early on.
However, as the fight progressed, Du Plessis’ relentless pressure and wrestling skills overwhelmed Adesanya.
The tense atmosphere was further intensified by Du Plessis’ controversial claim of being the first “real” African UFC champion, a statement that angered Adesanya.
Though Adesanya cut Du Plessis early in the first round, Du Plessis gained control in the second round with effective wrestling, dragging Adesanya down twice.
The third round featured intense stand-up exchanges as both men battled for dominance, setting the stage for the dramatic finish.
Adesanya entered the bout aiming to reclaim his title, but Du Plessis capitalized on his ground game to secure the victory in his first title defense.
The submission win cements Du Plessis’ place at the top of the middleweight division, while Adesanya faces uncertainty after a bitter defeat.
The animosity between the two fighters was palpable throughout the contest, adding to the night’s drama.
