UFC 305: Dricus Du Plessis beats Israel Adesanya to retain middleweight title - 'Africa would have won regardless'
Published 18/08/2024 at 08:40 GMT
Dricus Du Plessis beat Israel Adesanya via submission at UFC 305 to retain the middleweight championship. He later apologised for earlier comments that suggested Adesanya was not a true African champion. Elsewhere, Kai Kara-France beat Steve Erceg and Carlos Prates defeated Li Jingliang on a memorable night of action in Perth, Australia.
Dricus Du Plessis of South Africa celebrates winning his fight against Israel Adesanya
Image credit: Getty Images
Dricus Du Plessis apologised for his pre-fight comments after defeating Israel Adesanya via submission in the fourth round to retain the middleweight championship at UFC 305.
In a fantastic contest, Du Plessis was leading the fight on the judges' scorecards 2-1 going into the fourth session, which had been dominated by the two-time former champ, until a short left hand turned the contest.
A couple of follow-up rights enabled Du Plessis to lock in a rear-naked choke hold, which his opponent could not get out of.
Prior to the contest, the South African claimed he was the only African UFC champion, as Adesanya fights out of New Zealand rather than his birthplace of Nigeria, but took back those comments after the fight.
"I'm really sorry that it came across that I disrespected that he never came from Africa - it was never my intention," Du Plessis said.
"Africa would have won regardless. Tonight South Africa won. It was an honour to share the cage with a legend like that.
"I have the utmost respect for him - warrior to warrior. A 100% Hall of Famer, this is a man who has done so much to the sport."
Adesanya rued leaving himself open for the submission, but despite his storied career he insists he will not retire at the age of 35.
"I just made a stupid, dumb mistake on the ground and he adjusted well and he got me," Adesanya said.
"I didn't do what I wanted to do tonight and I'm disappointed in myself. I just had the better man on the night and I'll give him respect for that. I'm not leaving [the UFC]."
In the co-main event, New Zealand's Kai Kara-France won via a first-round knockout when he stopped Perth fighter Steve Erceg.
Erceg began well, landing jabs, but an overhand left knocked him down and turned the fight. He was put down once more with a right cross which led to the referee jumping in.
"Firstly, hats off to Steve - he’s a gentleman, he's the man," Kara-France said.
"Just to get back here, I had to take time away, reevaluate, reflect and balance all my priorities.
"But with the best team in the world, this is what we love and this is what we do best.
"I knew Steve was going to be crafty and smart, so I had to set him up and find the finish. I want my actions to be my loudest voice. Who should I fight next - for the title?"
The other dramatic knockout of the night came from Brazilian Carlos Prates, who knocked Li Jingliang out cold with a vicious left hook in round two of their contest.
"I trained so much for this fight and today I was really motivated. My daughter’s here, it’s my birthday, so this was a good present,” Prates said.
"I saw he was hurt in the first round and my coach told me to keep going."
Elsewhere on the main card, Dan Hooker and Jairzinho Rozenstruik won split decisions over Mateusz Gamrot and Tua Tuivasa, respectively.
"I was honoured to be standing here today with him [Tuivasa] in Perth," Rozenstruik saids. "I’ve been here two weeks now and Perth is treating me right."
Hooker, meanwhile, was overjoyed after his win over Gamrot. "How you like me now!?" the New Zealander shouted.
"I didn’t think I fought that well but you get your hand raised and that’s all that counts. I’m tougher than old liver - I know I can walk down any man in this world.
"I want it all next - I want Conor McGregor, I want a title eliminator, I want everything!"
---
Watch UFC cards throughout the year live on TNT Sports and discovery+
Scan me
Share this article
Related Topics
Advertisement
Advertisement