Dricus du Plessis defends UFC middleweight title with stunning submission win over Adesanya

South African UFC fighter Dricus du Plessis successfully defended his middleweight title on Sunday with a dramatic fourth-round submission victory over his rival, Israel Adesanya, in the main event of UFC 305 at Perth Arena.

The highly anticipated bout lived up to expectations, as du Plessis (22-2) overcame what appeared to be a challenging moment in the fight. Adesanya, a two-time former champion, seemed to have the upper hand at times, but du Plessis remained resilient.

In a pivotal moment during the fourth round, du Plessis executed a spectacular takedown, securing his 185-pound belt with a submission that stunned the crowd.

This victory marks du Plessis’s 10th consecutive win, further solidifying his dominance in the UFC middleweight division.

His journey to the top has been nothing short of remarkable, with this latest triumph coming after he initially claimed the title in January by defeating the controversial Sean Strickland.

“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.

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

They were meant to fight in Sydney last year, but du Plessis was unavailable due to injury.

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.

But he could not lock in a submission as Adesanya worked his way back into the fight with grappling.

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. (Text, excluding headline: AFP)