South African Dricus Du Plessis beat Nigerian/New Zealander Israel Adesanya in the fourth round of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) 305 at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia, this weekend.
Du Plessis successfully defended his middleweight championship by landing a vicious left to Adesanya’s head and following it up shortly after with three strong rights to the head. He pulled Adesanya down and locked in a rear-naked choke. Adesanya tapped, giving Du Plessis the submission win at 3:38 of the fourth round.
After all the “trash talk” and insults exchanged between Dricus “Stillknocks” du Plessis and Israel “The Last Stylebender” Adesanya, the fighters were evenly matched going into the fourth round. Both looked tired.
Dricus du Plessis defended his middleweight title for the first time against former champion, Israel Adesanya. There were some good exchanges in a methodical first round. Du Plessis got a small cut on his forehead but neither fighter seemed particularly worse for wear.
Things picked up in the second round. Du Plessis shot for a takedown and the fight finally went to the ground. Du Plessis was in control and tried to lock in chokes but Adesanya was able to escape and get back to his feet. The champion managed at least two other takedowns in the frame.
Adesanya seemed to take back control of the fight in the third, landing a few big shots to Du Plessis. The fourth round started much the same, with Adesanya getting good punches in. But Dricus was able to dig deep and show why he is the world UFC champion.
The men embraced after the fight, and again after their interviews, seemed to bury the hatchet that had built between them in the past.
Dricus was crowned seven months ago and is riding a wave of momentum.
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