South African Dricus du Plessis successfully defended his UFC middleweight title on Sunday, securing a fourth-round submission victory over arch-rival Israel Adesanya in a high-stakes bout at Perth Arena.
In the main event of UFC 305, du Plessis appeared to be struggling against the two-time former champion, but a spectacular takedown of Adesanya in the fourth round secured his hold on the 185-pound title.
Du Plessis (22-2) has now won 10 consecutive fights, having originally claimed the title in January after defeating the controversial Sean Strickland.
“I came here willing to die for this belt,” du Plessis declared. “I’m taking it home with me, still the champion.”
In front of a sold-out crowd of 15,000 at Perth Arena, Adesanya (24-4) enjoyed significant support and seemed to have the upper hand for much of the fight, but he was ultimately overpowered by 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 was making his comeback after a shocking defeat to Strickland in September last year. “Tonight, the better man won, and I respect him for that.”
Du Plessis was accompanied into the Octagon by South African rugby captain Siya Kolisi and second-rower Eben Etzebeth, with South Africa’s national anthem echoing through the venue.
The bout had been highly anticipated, following a heated war of words between the fighters in the lead-up to the event. They were originally scheduled to face off in Sydney last year, but du Plessis was sidelined by an injury.
The fight began cautiously in the charged atmosphere, with the taller Adesanya, a former kickboxer, using his reach advantage to fend off du Plessis’ aggressive approach. Adesanya relied on his preferred kicks, which left du Plessis with a bloodied forehead by the end of the first round.
Du Plessis countered with a powerful left hook late in the first round, and his momentum carried into the second, where he scored a significant takedown and took control of Adesanya’s back. However, he was unable to secure a submission, and Adesanya fought his way back into contention with grappling.
As the fight progressed into the fourth round, Adesanya’s strategy of wearing down du Plessis appeared to be paying off, with cleaner punches landing. But du Plessis summoned his reserves of energy, landing a rattling blow that wobbled Adesanya before securing victory.
In other action on the main card, New Zealander Kai Kara-France stunned the home crowd by knocking out Australian Steve Erceg in the first round of their flyweight bout. Kara-France was in an aggressive mood, twice flooring Erceg with a barrage 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 defeated Australian Tai Tuivasa by split decision.
