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Du Plessis defeats Adesanya to retain UFC crown

rugby18 August 2024 05:10| © Backpage TXT
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South Africa’s Dricus Du Plessis made a successful first defence of his UFC middleweight title when he defeated two-time former champion Israel Adesanya by submission in the main event of UFC 305, held at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia, on Sunday.

Through three rounds, Adesanya was the superior striker and appeared to be taking control of the fight, but a flurry of strikes from DDP allowed him to secure a takedown on the Nigerian-born ‘Last Stylebender’ and sink in a rear-naked choke, forcing a tap-out at 3:38 of the fourth round.

“I always knew, s*** if I’m in trouble, fighting one of the, if not the greatest strikers ever, in this division, I need that takedown,” said Du Plessis in his post-fight interview.

“Got the takedown... at this level it’s hard to keep people down, this man is the king of getting back up. Nobody can take him down and keep him there.”

DDP added, “I’m alive right now, that’s just a bonus, I came in here to die for this belt.”

DUMB MISTAKE

In response, Adesanya said, “I felt strong, I was able to resist his takedown, I just made a stupid, dumb mistake on the ground and he adjusted well to the gable grip and got me.”

The rest of the main card saw Kai Kara-France claim his 13th first-round knockout, as he overwhelmed Steve Erceg in the flyweight co-main event; Dan Hooker got the better of Mateusz Gamrot – via split decision – in a lightweight clash; Jairzinho Rozenstruik took an unpopular split decision win over Tau Tuivasa in the heavyweight division; and Carlos Prates claimed a second-round knockout win over Li Jingliang in the welterweight opener.

The UFC continues next weekend with a Fight Night on Sunday 24 August, headlined by a middleweight match between Jared Cannonier and Caio Borralho.

UFC 305 – Main card results

- Main event: Middleweight championship: Dricus du Plessis def. Israel Adesanya via submission (rear-naked choke), R4, 3:30

- Flyweight: Kai Kara-France def. Steve Erceg via TKO (punches), R1, 4:06

- Lightweight: Dan Hooker def. Mateusz Gamrot via split decision (28-29 29-28 29-28), R3, 5:00

- Heavyweight: Jairzinho Rozenstruik def. Tau Tuivasa via split decision (29-28 27-30 30-27), R3, 5:00

- Welterweight: Carlos Prates def. Li Jingliang via KO (punch), R2, 4:02

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