Dricus du Plessis cemented his place at the top of the middleweight division with a spectacular submission victory over Israel Adesanya at UFC 305. The highly anticipated bout, which took place on August 18, 2024, in Perth, Australia, lived up to its billing as a clash of titans and delivered a finish that few could have predicted.
The early rounds saw a back-and-forth affair, with du Plessis applying his trademark pressure and Adesanya showcasing his elite striking skills. The champion’s durability was on full display as he weathered Adesanya’s precise attacks. ‘The Last Stylebender’ demonstrated improved takedown defense against du Plessis’ grappling attempts.
However, as the fight entered the championship rounds, the tide began to turn. Adesanya, the fresher fighter, showed better striking. The Kiwi fighter landed a hard left hook in the fourth round that visibly rocked Adesanya. Seizing the opportunity, du Plessis swarmed his opponent, securing a takedown and locking in a face crank that forced the former champion to tap out.
The Perth Arena erupted as the referee waved off the fight, with du Plessis leaping atop the cage in celebration. But for Adesanya, the loss marks another setback in what has been a challenging period in his career. The once dominant champion has now lost three of his last five fights, raising questions about his future in the division he once ruled with an iron fist.
Fight Fans React To Dricus Du Plessis Submitting Israel Adesanya
Du Plessis solidified his reign as the middleweight champion by submitting former title holder Israel Adesanya in the fourth round. The bout was a culmination of months of heated rivalry and personal animosity between the two fighters. As such, MMA fans worldwide erupted with a mix of excitement and hot takes.
Some fans were not happy with Adsanya’s performance and urged him to hang up the gloves. Others were more emphatic and hoped the former champion would return to the win column. Several others fanboyed after Dricus Du Plessis, admiring his weird style and congratulating him on his victory.
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Here are some of the reactions from fight fans:
The variety of reactions showed the passionate and often varied nature of the MMA fanbase. From calls for retirement to technical analysis, from memes to genuine concern for a fighter’s future, the responses paint a vivid picture of a community grappling with a significant shift in the middleweight landscape.
Also Read: How Many Times Has Israel Adesanya And Alex Pereira Fought?
