PERTH, Australia — South African fighter Dricus du Plessis successfully defended his UFC middleweight title against former champion Israel Adesanya, winning by submission in the fourth round at UFC 305 on Saturday night.
Du Plessis, 30, secured victory with a rear-naked choke after rocking Adesanya with a right hook. The win marks his first title defense since claiming the belt from Sean Strickland in January.
“To share this octagon with a legend… this man has done so much for this sport,” Du Plessis said post-fight, addressing the heated pre-fight buildup. “I’m really sorry it came across that I disrespected he was from Africa – it was never my intention. Tonight Africa won regardless.”
Adesanya, born in Nigeria but fighting out of New Zealand, was competing for the first time in 11 months. The former two-time champion had taken a break citing mental and physical fatigue after five title bouts in 16 months.
The fight began with both athletes finding success in the opening round. Adesanya landed a notable right hook to the body, while Du Plessis responded with leg kicks. The South African champion utilized his wrestling in the second round, taking Adesanya down three times.
Momentum shifted in the third round as Adesanya’s repeated body shots appeared to affect Du Plessis’ breathing. However, the champion rallied in the fourth, landing two significant hooks before finishing the fight on the ground.
Following the contest, both fighters showed mutual respect, embracing and shaking hands. Adesanya raised Du Plessis’ hand in a gesture of sportsmanship.
“I was fighting one of, if not the greatest striker ever in this division,” Du Plessis said. “I needed that takedown. At this level it’s hard to keep people down and this man is the king of getting back up.”
Despite the loss, Adesanya vowed to continue his career. “I’m disappointed in myself but at the same time I’m proud. This is the best I’ve ever felt, the best I’ve ever looked,” he said. “I know you all want to see me down and want to see me lose but watch this – I’m not leaving.”
In other UFC 305 action, Scotland-born Australian Casey O’Neill defeated Brazil’s Luana Santos by unanimous decision. O’Neill, 26, celebrated her victory by mimicking Australian breakdancer Rachael Gunn’s routine from the recent Paris Olympics.
The event was held at the RAC Arena in Perth, with Du Plessis being walked out by South African rugby stars Eben Etzebeth and Siya Kolisi, fresh from their national team’s victory over Australia the previous day.
In related news, Georgian bantamweight Merab Dvalishvili was reportedly involved in an altercation with a heckler at an event in Las Vegas on Friday. Dvalishvili is scheduled to challenge Sean O’Malley for the bantamweight title at UFC 306 next month.
