Categories: Sports

Du Plessis Beats Adesanya To Defend UFC Middleweight Title

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

In the main event of UFC 305, du Plessis appeared to be flagging against the two-time former champion before a spectacular takedown of Adesanya solidified his 185-pound belt.

Du Plessis (22-2) has now won 10 fights in a row, having originally claimed the belt after beating polarising Sean Strickland in January.

“I came in here to die for this belt,” du Plessis said. “I came here to take it home. Here I am, still the champion.”

At a sold-out 15,000 Perth Arena, Adesanya (24-4) enjoyed significant crowd support and seemed to have an edge for much of the fight until he was helpless against du Plessis’ rear-naked choke.

 

“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 made his return after a shock defeat to Strickland in September last year.

“I just had the better man on the night and I’ll give him respect for that.”

Du Plessis was accompanied into the Octagon by South Africa rugby captain Siya Kolisi and second-rower Eben Etzebeth, with his country’s national anthem thundering around the venue.

South Africa’s Dricuc Du Plessis reacts after winning against New Zealand’s Israel Adesanya in their men’s middleweight division event of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) 305 at the Perth Arena in Perth on August 18, 2024. (Photo by COLIN MURTY / AFP)

There was much anticipation over the bout after the fighters had engaged in a war of words in the build-up.

It was a measured start amid a febrile atmosphere with the taller Adesanya, a former kickboxer, using his longer reach to fend off the aggression of du Plessis.

Adesanya aimed to counterstrike and he utilised his favoured kicks to deadly effect, as du Plessis emerged bloodied on his forehead.

 

Du Plessis unleashed a powerful left-handed punch late in the first round and his momentum continued in the next when he landed a big takedown and had control on Adesanya’s back.

Adesanya’s strategy of wearing down du Plessis appeared to take effect by the fourth round as he landed cleaner punches.

But du Plessis mustered energy and a rattling blow wobbled Adesanya as the South African soon emerged triumphant.

Also on the main card, Kai Kara-France stunned the partisan crowd by pummelling Australian Steve Erceg in a first round-knockout in the flyweight.

The New Zealander was in an aggressive mood and twice dropped a hapless Erceg with a flurry 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 bout, Jairzinho Rozenstruik of Suriname beat Australian Tai Tuivasa by split decision.

 

AFP

Agency Report

Recent Posts

Star Life: Saras & Kumud Teasers November 2024

Star Life's new series, Saras & Kumud teasers November 2024, can be accessed below.  …

8 hours ago

Polaris Bank Clinches “Best Mobile App” Award At Digital Jurist Awards 2024

Polaris Bank clinched the "Best Mobile App" award at the Digital Jurist Awards 2024.  …

8 hours ago

Access Holdings’ Total Assets Grows to ₦41.1 Trillion in Q3

Access Holdings’ total assets grew to ₦41.1 trillion in Q3.   Glamtush reports that Access…

8 hours ago

Nigeria Ranks Fifth Globally In Daily Social Media Usage (FULL LIST)

Nigeria has been ranked fifth globally in daily social media usage.   Glamtush reports that…

9 hours ago

Saras & Kumud Premieres On Star Life (Synopsis, Full Story, Casts)

Saraswatichandra, retitled Saras & Kumud, is Star Life’s upcoming series, which is a shift from…

9 hours ago

Top Summary From Nigerian Newspapers For Monday, November 4th, 2024

The top summary from Nigerian newspapers for Monday, November 4th, 2024, can be accessed on…

9 hours ago