Dricus Du Plessis efficiently defended the UFC middleweight championship by defeating Israel Adesanya with a fourth-round submission Saturday in the principle occasion of UFC 305 from the RAC Area in Perth, Australia.
Du Plessis (22-2 MMA, 8-0 UFC) needed to overcome adversity to retain his belt, as Adesanya (24-4 MMA, 13-4 UFC) was constructing a head of steam within the fourth spherical earlier than a left hook shocked the previous champion and led to the ending sequence.
It was a nip-and-tuck affair by way of three rounds, between Du Plessis’ explosive offense and takedowns and Adesanya’s pinpoint counterpunching and bodywork. Simply because it appeared the bodywork was slowing down the champion within the fourth spherical, Du Plessis dug deep and charged ahead, slamming a trio of proper fingers into Adesanya and securing a takedown. Du Plessis rapidly transitioned to the previous champion’s again and sank in a rear-naked choke to get the submission on the 3:38 mark.
“I got here in right here to die for this belt or take a life,” Du Plessis stated. “Fortunately, I did not should do both.”
The battle had extra on the road than a world title as Adesanya and Du Plessis had been engaged in a disagreement for over a yr relating to who the primary “actual” African champion was. Adesanya was born in Lagos, Nigeria, however presently resides in Auckland, New Zealand, whereas Du Plessis was born and raised in Pretoria, South Africa.
The rivalry turned a battle of heritage as soon as Du Plessis disregarded earlier African-born UFC champions Adesanya, Kamaru Usman and Francis Ngannou, stating that he was the primary champion born, raised and presently residing on the continent.
Though there was dangerous blood heading into the battle, the 2 fighters appeared to bury the hatchet afterward.
“I am actually sorry that it got here throughout that I disrespected the truth that he is from Africa,” Du Plessis, 30, stated afterward. “That was by no means my intention. Africa would have received regardless, however tonight South Africa was the victor.
“It was an honor for me to share this cage with a legend, and I’ve the utmost respect for him.”
It was Du Plessis’ tenth straight win and first profitable title protection after beating Sean Strickland for the championship in January. His first protection can be in opposition to the person who many imagine is likely one of the best middleweights of all time.
Adesanya, 35, was returning to the Octagon after an 11-month layoff following his gorgeous title loss to Strickland in September. The previous champion took a sabbatical from combating after competing at a breakneck tempo of six title fights in 19 months and hoped the day without work would produce an improved model of “The Final Stylebender.”
The previous champion did look good all through the battle, utilizing his pinpoint counterstriking, lengthy jab and physique punching to attain. Adesanya really had a 105-99 edge in complete strikes, based on UFC Stats.
However Du Plessis remained explosive and combined hanging with takedowns to maintain his opponent sincere. After Adesanya stuffed Du Plessis’ takedown try within the first spherical, “Stillknocks” can be persistent and safe three takedowns within the second spherical whereas additionally threatening a rear-naked choke. It might be that transition from takedown to choke that might find yourself being the profitable mixture to retain the title.
In Rounds 3 and 4, Adesanya started to slip right into a rhythm, firing jabs and ripping physique pictures that affected the champion. However, as at all times, Du Plessis discovered a strategy to energy by way of when the going obtained powerful and picked up his greatest win so far.
As for Adesanya, who suffered the primary submission lack of his MMA profession, there have been questions surrounding his future if he fell brief in his try to retain the title, however he had a message following the loss.
“I am not f—ing leaving,” he stated.
UFC president Dana White introduced earlier than the battle that Strickland can be subsequent in line for the winner. It might be a return bout for Du Plessis, however he stated he has no qualms with giving Strickland one other crack on the title.
“I need to hear ‘And nonetheless,'” he stated. “That is the one factor I care about. I do not care in regards to the opponent.”