Dricus du Plessis successfully defended his UFC middleweight title in a highly anticipated match against Israel Adesanya at UFC 305, winning by submission in the fourth round.
- Dricus du Plessis defeated Israel Adesanya via rear-naked choke in the fourth round at UFC 305.
- Post-match, Du Plessis reflected on the challenge of fighting Adesanya, one of the division’s greatest strikers.
- Israel Adesanya acknowledged Du Plessis as “the better man on the night.”
Dricus du Plessis defends middleweight title against Izzy
In a thrilling bout at UFC 305, South African middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis retained his title by defeating Israel Adesanya via submission in the fourth round.
The match, held on Sunday, was a closely contested fight, with both fighters exchanging significant blows throughout the first three rounds.
Adesanya appeared to gain momentum during the third round and the early part of the fourth, but Du Plessis turned the tide with a powerful left hand that rocked Adesanya.
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Du Plessis capitalised on the moment, landing additional strikes before taking Adesanya to the ground, where he secured a rear-naked choke at 3:38 of Round 4, forcing the former champion to tap out.
This victory extended Du Plessis’ undefeated streak in the UFC to 8-0, solidifying his dominance in the 185-pound weight class.
“I always knew I’m in trouble fighting one of the – if not the – greatest strikers ever in this division,” Du Plessis said after the fight.
He expressed relief at not needing to “die for this belt” or “take a life” in the octagon, adding, “Here I am, and still champion, baby.”
Adesanya, in a show of sportsmanship, admitted that Du Plessis was the better fighter that night.
“I’m disappointed in myself but at the same time I’m proud,” Adesanya stated.
“I was just beaten by the better man on the night, and I’ll give him respect for that.”
Will the next UFC come to South Africa?
Du Plessis’ victory has reignited discussions about the possibility of the UFC hosting its first-ever event in Africa, particularly in South Africa.
UFC President Dana White hinted at this potential milestone in the lead-up to the fight, saying:
“If [Du Plessis] can beat Izzy [Adesanya] and bring that belt back to South Africa, obviously we’ll do an event there.”
The idea of a UFC event in Africa has garnered significant support, with Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis even tweeting “Let’s make it happen” to White.
The UFC has recognised Africa as a rapidly growing market for mixed martial arts, with South Africa and Nigeria leading the charge in terms of fan engagement.
UFC executive David Shaw emphasised this point, noting that “there is certainly a determination for it to happen soon.”
With the UFC having already expanded its reach to continents like Asia, Europe, and South America, Africa seems to be the next logical step.
The enthusiasm from fans, coupled with Du Plessis’ continued success, could very well bring the octagon to Africa for the first time, potentially in the near future.
