South African fighter Dricus du Plessis successfully defended his UFC middleweight title on Sunday, securing a fourth-round submission victory over long-time rival Israel Adesanya in a highly anticipated bout at Perth Arena.
In the main event of UFC 305, du Plessis appeared to be struggling against the former two-time champion before a decisive takedown solidified his grip on the 185-pound belt. The win marks du Plessis’ 10th consecutive victory, following his initial title claim after defeating Sean Strickland in January.
“I came in here to die for this belt,” du Plessis declared in the post-fight interview. “I came here to take it home. Here I am, still the champion.”
The fight took place in front of a sold-out crowd of 15,000 at Perth Arena, where Adesanya (24-4), originally from Nigeria but now representing New Zealand, enjoyed significant support. Despite appearing to control much of the fight, Adesanya was ultimately unable to fend off du Plessis’ rear-naked choke in the fourth round.
“I’m disappointed, but at the same time I’m proud because this is the best I’ve felt and looked,” Adesanya said following the bout. “I just had the better man on the night and I’ll give him respect for that.”
Du Plessis (22-2) was escorted to the Octagon by South African rugby stars Siya Kolisi and Eben Etzebeth, with the national anthem echoing throughout the arena. The buildup to the fight was charged, as the two fighters had engaged in a heated war of words leading up to the event. Initially scheduled to face off in Sydney last year, the fight was postponed due to an injury that sidelined du Plessis.
The match began cautiously, with the taller Adesanya using his reach advantage to keep du Plessis at bay. Adesanya, a former kickboxer, employed his signature kicks effectively, leaving du Plessis with a bloodied forehead by the end of the first round.
However, du Plessis landed a powerful left-hand punch late in the first round and maintained his momentum in the second, scoring a significant takedown and taking control of Adesanya’s back. Though unable to secure a submission, du Plessis continued to apply pressure as Adesanya worked his way back into the fight with effective grappling.
By the fourth round, Adesanya’s strategy of wearing down du Plessis seemed to be paying off, as he landed cleaner punches. Yet du Plessis, drawing on deep reserves of energy, delivered a rattling blow that wobbled Adesanya and ultimately led to his victory.
Also on the main card, New Zealander Kai Kara-France delivered a stunning first-round knockout against Australian Steve Erceg in the flyweight division. Kara-France was in an aggressive mood, twice dropping Erceg with a series of powerful punches.
“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 the heavyweight division, Surinamese fighter Jairzinho Rozenstruik secured a split decision win over Australia’s Tai Tuivasa, rounding off an electrifying night of fights at UFC 305.
