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In a tense battle at UFC 305, South African fighter, Dricus Du Plessis retained his middleweight title, defeating Nigerian-born Israel Adesanya by submission in the fourth round.
The grudge match, fueled by pre-fight tensions over race and identity, culminated dramatically as Du Plessis secured the victory with a rear-naked choke.
Adesanya, a former two-time champion, entered the fight determined to reclaim the belt he lost to Sean Strickland last September.
Despite trailing 2-1 on the scorecards heading into the fourth round, Du Plessis turned the tide with powerful hooks and jabs, followed by a decisive takedown.
Once he locked Adesanya into the choke, the Nigerian-born fighter had no choice but to submit.
The fight began with both fighters showing aggression, with Adesanya landing sharp counters and cutting Du Plessis on the forehead early on. However, the South African’s pressure and wrestling skills proved too much for Adesanya as the fight progressed.
The intense bout was marked by a tense atmosphere, stemming from Du Plessis’ claim of being the first “real” African UFC champion, a statement that did not sit well with Adesanya.
Adesanya cut Du Plessis early in the first round, but Du Plessis took control in the second with effective wrestling, dragging Adesanya down twice. The third round saw intense exchanges on the feet as both men battled for dominance, setting up a dramatic finish.
The submission win solidifies the South African’s position at the top of the middleweight division and leaves Adesanya pondering his next move after a bitter loss.