PERTH, Australia—Dricus du Plessis successfully defended his UFC middleweight title on Sunday, overcoming Israel Adesanya with a fourth-round submission in a highly anticipated showdown at Perth Arena.
In front of a sold-out crowd of 15,000, the South African fighter secured his 10th consecutive victory by defeating Adesanya, a two-time former champion, via rear-naked choke in the main event of UFC 305.
Despite appearing to struggle against Adesanya earlier in the fight, du Plessis (22-2) rallied to retain his 185-pound belt.
“I came in here to die for this belt,” du Plessis declared after his victory. “I came here to take it home. Here I am, still the champion.”
Adesanya (24-4), who had significant support from the Perth crowd, expressed mixed emotions after the loss.
“I’m disappointed, but at the same time I’m proud because this is the best I’ve felt and looked,” said the Nigeria-born New Zealander, who was making his return after a shocking defeat to Sean Strickland last September.
“I just had the better man on the night, and I’ll give him respect for that.”
The bout was heavily anticipated, fueled by a pre-fight war of words between the two fighters.
Originally scheduled to take place in Sydney last year, the fight was postponed due to an injury to du Plessis.
The fight began with a measured approach from both athletes. Adesanya, utilizing his reach advantage and kickboxing background, kept du Plessis at bay with well-timed kicks and counterstrikes.
However, du Plessis landed a powerful left hand late in the first round, setting the tone for a fierce contest.
Du Plessis continued his momentum in the second round, executing a big takedown and gaining control on Adesanya’s back.
Despite this, Adesanya managed to escape and reassert himself, using his grappling skills to even the score.
As the fight progressed into the fourth round, Adesanya’s strategy of wearing down du Plessis appeared to be paying off, with the former champion landing cleaner punches.
But du Plessis found a second wind, delivering a rattling blow that wobbled Adesanya, setting up the decisive submission that secured his victory.
Du Plessis’ entrance was a spectacle in itself, accompanied by South Africa rugby captain Siya Kolisi and second-rower Eben Etzebeth, with the South African national anthem echoing throughout the arena.
In the co-main event, New Zealand’s Kai Kara-France stunned the home crowd with a first-round knockout of Australian Steve Erceg in their flyweight bout.
“I knew Steve was going to be crafty and smart, so I had to set it up… and be smart, and that’s when I went for the finish,” said the 31-year-old Kara-France.
In a heavyweight clash, Surinamese fighter Jairzinho Rozenstruik secured a split-decision victory over Australian Tai Tuivasa, further intensifying the action-packed card at UFC 305.
