Israel Adesanya Suffers Defeat By Submission, As Dricus Du Plessis Remains The MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPION OF THE WORLD.

South African Dricus du Plessis has defended his UFC middleweight title after a fourth-round submission win over bitter rival Israel Adesanya in a blockbuster bout at Perth Arena on Sunday.

Du Plessis was making his first defence of the belt, which he took from Sean Strickland in January, while Adesanya was bidding to become a three-time champion. 

The build-up saw South Africa’s Du Plessis and Nigerian-born Adesanya, who fights out of New Zealand, clash over their backgrounds, after Du Plessis claimed he was the first “real” African UFC champion: the first not only to have been born on the continent, but also to have lived and trained there throughout his career.

The 30-year-old arguably won the first two rounds, landing the harder punches and out-grappling Adesanya at times, but the challenger’s brutal body shots looked like they were adding up across the third and fourth rounds. 

Adesanya’s combination punching was also catching the eye, and he was able to stand numerous times after takedowns from Du Plessis, who was frequently switching stances like his opponent.

But in round four, Du Plessis landed a series of right hands on a retreating Adesanya, before dragging the former champion to the canvas. Du Plessis rapidly secured a rear naked choke, forcing his rival to tap.

Adesanya speaking after the defeat said: “I felt strong, I resisted his takedowns well. I just made a stupid, dumb mistake on the ground, and he adjusted well to the Gable grip and caught me.

“I’m disappointed in myself, but at the same time I’m proud. He was just the better man on the night, and I give him respect for that.”

Adesanya is asked what’s next and says: “I didn’t think this far, I didn’t manifest this! I’m 35, I’m doing the right things...”

The end of Adesanya’s interview is censored, then he hugs Du Plessis and raises the champion’s hand. 

Dricus Du Plessis and Israel Adesanya share an incredible backstage moment after #UFC305 and embrace each other families. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Dsu7btTZyV

— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) August 18, 2024

 Du Plessis on his victory: “I’m really sorry that it came across that I disrespected the fact that he’s from Africa, that was never my intention. Tonight, Africa would have won regardless, but tonight, South Africa was the victor. 

Du Plessis on facing Adesanya:“It was an honour for me to share this cage with a legend like that; I have the utmost respect for him, warrior to warrior.

“[He’s] one of the greatest strikers ever in this division. I needed that takedown, got the takedown. At this level, it’s hard to keep people down. This man is the king of getting back up, nobody can take him down and keep him there.

“I got a few good ones, landed a few good punches, but ultimately I believe this fight was won on the feet. I’m alive right now, that’s just a bonus; I came in here to die for this belt, and I came here to take it back home.”