South Africa’s Dricus du Plessis “Stillnocks” Dominates Adesanya to Retain Middleweight Championship, In a stunning display of skill and determination, UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis successfully defended his title by submitting former champion Israel Adesanya in the fourth round at UFC 305 in Perth, Australia. The bout, which took place on Sunday, saw Du Plessis continue his unbeaten streak in the UFC, solidifying his place at the top of the middleweight division.
The fight reached its climax when Du Plessis, after a fierce exchange, landed back-to-back right hooks that sent Adesanya retreating to the canvas. Wasting no time, Du Plessis took Adesanya’s back and expertly locked in a rear-naked choke, forcing the former champion to tap out at 3 minutes and 38 seconds into the round. This victory not only marked Du Plessis’ first successful title defense but also handed Adesanya his first-ever submission loss in his professional MMA career.
Reflecting on the fight, the 30-year-old South African acknowledged the challenges of facing one of the best strikers in the division. “I always knew if I’m in trouble fighting one of the, if not the best strikers ever in this division, I need that takedown,” Du Plessis said. “This man is the king of getting back up. No one can take him down and keep him there.”
Adesanya, who had moments of brilliance in the fight, including a third-round flurry of kicks and punches, admitted to making a critical mistake that cost him the bout. Despite this setback, the Nigerian-New Zealander, now with a record of 24 wins and four losses, remains determined to continue his career. “I just made a stupid, dumb mistake,” Adesanya said. “I’m 35, I’m doing the right things… watch this, I’m not leaving.”
The main card of UFC 305 was filled with electrifying matchups that kept the RAC Arena audience on the edge of their seats. Highlights included Kai Kara-France’s first-round TKO victory over Steve Erceg, Dan Hooker’s hard-fought split decision win against Mateusz Gamrot, and Carlos Prates’ devastating knockout of Li Jingliang. The night culminated in Du Plessis’ dramatic victory, cementing the event as one of the most memorable of the year.
With this win, Du Plessis improved his record to an impressive 22 wins and two losses, extending his undefeated run in the UFC to eight fights. As the reigning middleweight champion, he has undoubtedly established himself as a dominant force in the division, and fans eagerly await what’s next for the South African powerhouse.
What’s next for Du Plessis?
Dricus du Plessis Dominates Adesanya at UFC 305, Dricus du Plessis has solidified his position as the top contender in the middleweight division. As he continues to ride the momentum of his undefeated UFC streak, the future is bright with several potential directions for his next fight.
1. Rematch with Israel Adesanya:
Given the history and the stature of Adesanya in the middleweight division, a rematch could be on the horizon. Adesanya, known for his resilience and ability to bounce back, will likely push for another shot at the title. A rematch would be highly anticipated, especially after the dramatic way their first encounter ended.
2. Fight with Sean Strickland:
Sean Strickland, who recently won the middleweight title against Adesanya, could be next in line. Strickland’s striking skills and brash persona would make for an intriguing matchup against Du Plessis’ well-rounded approach. This fight could determine who truly dominates the middleweight division.
3. Clash with Khamzat Chimaev:
Khamzat Chimaev has been making waves in the UFC, and a fight between him and Du Plessis would draw significant attention. Chimaev’s relentless pressure and grappling skills would pose a unique challenge for Du Plessis, and a victory against a rising star like Chimaev would further elevate his status.
4. Superfight with a Light Heavyweight:
As a dominant middleweight champion, Du Plessis could consider moving up to the light heavyweight division for a superfight. Challenging someone like Jamahal Hill or Jiri Prochazka would test his abilities against larger opponents and could set the stage for a legacy-defining bout.
5. Defending Against a Top Contender:
The middleweight division is packed with talent, and Du Plessis could choose to defend his title against another top contender. Fighters like Marvin Vettori or Jared Cannonier are always in the mix, and a title defense against one of these elite athletes would further solidify Du Plessis’ reign.
Du Plessis has a range of exciting options ahead. Whether it’s a rematch, a new challenge in the middleweight division, or a move to light heavyweight, fans can expect thrilling action from the South African champion in his next bout.
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