Dricus du Plessis Retains Middleweight Title with Submission Victory Over Israel Adesanya at UFC 305
Last night at UFC 305 in Perth, Dricus du Plessis delivered another stunning performance, successfully defending his middleweight title by submitting Israel Adesanya in the fourth round. This victory not only settled their long-standing rivalry but also marked another significant milestone in Du Plessis’s undefeated UFC career, extending his record to 8-0 and showcasing why he is a force to be reckoned with in the division.
A Champion Among Champions
Du Plessis’s win over Adesanya is the latest in a series of victories against some of the UFC’s top talent. With this victory, he has now defeated three former champions: Sean Strickland, Robert Whittaker, and Adesanya. Each of these fighters has held the middleweight title, but none could withstand the relentless pressure and well-rounded skill set of Du Plessis. This record not only cements his place at the top of the division but also highlights his ability to rise to the occasion against the very best.
A High-Stakes Battle
In what was arguably the most anticipated fight of the year, Du Plessis faced Adesanya, a former two-time middleweight champion, who was determined to reclaim the title. The build-up to this fight was intense, fuelled by a clash over their backgrounds. Du Plessis had previously made controversial remarks about being the first “real” African UFC champion—born, raised, and trained on the continent, a point of contention with Adesanya, who was born in Nigeria but has spent much of his career in New Zealand.
However, in the aftermath of his victory, Du Plessis showed his class by apologising for his comments about Adesanya’s heritage, focusing instead on the respect he has for his opponents and the sport. This gesture of sportsmanship was well received, further elevating his reputation as a champion both inside and outside the octagon.
The Fight: A Tactical and Brutal Contest
The fight itself was a showcase of elite mixed martial arts. For four rounds, Du Plessis and Adesanya engaged in a tactical yet brutal contest, with both fighters landing significant strikes. Du Plessis showcased his striking power early on, but it was in the fourth round where he truly seized control. With Adesanya on the back foot, Du Plessis unleashed a series of powerful right hands that visibly rocked the former champion. Sensing the opportunity, Du Plessis capitalised by dragging Adesanya to the canvas, where his superior grappling skills came into play. It was only a matter of moments before Du Plessis secured a rear-naked choke, forcing Adesanya to tap out and ensuring that the middleweight belt remained around his waist.
Fight Stats Tell the Story
The statistics from the fight paint a vivid picture of Du Plessis’s performance. He landed 99 out of 206 total strikes, with an accuracy rate of 48.1%, compared to Adesanya’s 105 out of 211 strikes and a slightly higher accuracy of 49.8%. The striking exchanges were evenly matched, with both fighters demonstrating remarkable precision and power. However, it was Du Plessis’s relentless pace and ability to maintain pressure that set him apart.
When it came to significant strikes, Du Plessis landed 90 out of 197 attempts (45.7% accuracy), while Adesanya connected with 97 out of 203 significant strikes (47.8% accuracy). These numbers underscore the fierce nature of the contest, but it was Du Plessis’s adaptability and his ability to find crucial openings that ultimately made the difference.
Grappling Mastery
While the striking battle was closely contested, it was Du Plessis’s grappling prowess that truly shone through. He successfully executed 4 out of 9 takedown attempts, achieving a success rate of 44.4%. This aspect of his game proved to be decisive, particularly in the fourth round when he took Adesanya to the ground and secured the submission that ended the fight.
A Champion’s Journey
Dricus du Plessis continues to make waves in the UFC, and his partnership with World Sports Betting reflects the growing support and recognition of his incredible talent. For World Sports Betting, standing alongside Du Plessis on his journey to success is a testament to their commitment to excellence in sport. Together, they represent a winning combination, with Du Plessis embodying the spirit of determination, resilience, and pride that defines champions.
As he remains undefeated with an 8-0 record in the UFC, Du Plessis’s reign as the middleweight champion seems only to be beginning. With victories over three former champions, the world eagerly awaits what lies ahead for this remarkable athlete. One thing is certain: Dricus du Plessis is here to stay, and his journey to greatness is far from over.
