Perth, Australia — In a highly anticipated bout at UFC 305, Dricus Du Plessis successfully defended his middleweight title, submitting Israel Adesanya in the main event on Saturday. The South African fighter, who claimed the belt earlier this year by split decision against Sean Strickland, showcased his strength and skill in a dramatic fight that culminated in a third-round submission.
The contest, held in a packed arena in Perth, saw Du Plessis, 30, deliver a standout performance against Adesanya, who was vying to reclaim the middleweight crown and secure a third championship title. The fight reached its decisive moment when Du Plessis landed a powerful right hook that staggered Adesanya, the Nigeria-born New Zealander. Sensing the opportunity, Du Plessis swiftly took the fight to the ground, where he locked in a rear-naked choke, forcing Adesanya to tap out.
This victory not only reaffirmed Du Plessis’s status as the reigning middleweight champion but also put an end to the fierce rivalry between the two fighters. Despite the intense pre-fight buildup, the bout concluded on a respectful note, with both athletes exchanging words of admiration after the final bell.
“This was more than just defending my title—it was about proving that I belong at the top,” Du Plessis said in his post-fight interview. “Israel is an incredible fighter, but tonight, I showed why I’m the champion.”
Adesanya, who has been a dominant force in the middleweight division, accepted his defeat with grace, expressing his resolve to come back stronger. “It wasn’t my night, but I’ll be back,” Adesanya stated, indicating his intention to remain a key player in the division.
As the UFC middleweight landscape continues to shift, Du Plessis’s victory marks a significant chapter, potentially setting the stage for future challenges and rematches. Fans and analysts will be closely watching how both fighters progress following this pivotal encounter
