Du Plessis Submits Adesanya In An Upset Win – Should Izzy Retire?
Dricus du Plessis pulled off a shock fourth-round submission win to defeat Israel Adesanya at UFC 305 and retain his UFC Middleweight Title.
The build-up was dominated by ‘racial undertones’ after Adesanya was unhappy about Du Plessis’ prior comments. The South African had said he would be the first African to win the belt. He later explained he meant the first residing African. Since Adesanya had left Nigeria to live in New Zealand, Izzy questioned the nature of those comments.
Competitive Start
Both fighters had to justify their trash talk. The opening two rounds were competitive. Du Plessis was using a combination of leg kicks, with his blitzing style, to throw Izzy off balance. Du Plessis landed a one-two. Adesanya landed a cross, and a cut emerged over Du Plessis’ eye. Adesanya landed his one-two and an uppercut in a competitive opener.
Adesanya landed kicks to the body in the second. However, he over-extended as Du Plessis took him to the ground. Izzy dismissed that takedown attempt. Adesanya got up and landed a big elbow, forcing Du Plessis to retreat. Adesanya then landed a big uppercut, stunning his opponent. Du Plessis looked like he may hit the canvas, but he resorted to clinching.
Du Plessis had Izzy on the cage as he fired numerous punches in a strong finish to the second. By round three, Adesanya was in his groove. He landed a low kick and numerous body shots. Izzy shrugged off another takedown attempt and landed a right hook, too.
Izzy Taps
Another couple of shots to the body from Adesanya give him the third. Du Plessis returned to grappling in the fourth, and it paid off. He got his takedown following a right hand, which he then used to transition into a rear-naked choke. Adesanya could not escape, forcing him to tap.
Post-Fight
“[He’s] one of the – if not the – greatest strikers ever in this division. The takedown [was key]. In this division, it’s hard to keep people down. This man is the king of getting back up. But ultimately I believe this fight was won on the feet. I came here to die for this belt, and I came here to take it back home. Thank you, Perth, this was the most amazing atmosphere I’ve ever fought in front of. I’m really sorry that it came across that I disrespected the fact that he’s from Africa, that was never my intention. Africa would have won either way tonight. I have the utmost respect for him, warrior to warrior,” Du Plessis
“I just made a stupid, dumb mistake on the ground,” Adesanya
Full Results
Dricus du Plessis defeated Israel Adesanya by 4th round submission (Rear Naked Choke).
Kai Kara-France knocked out Steve Erceg in the 1st round.
Dan Hooker beat Mateusz Gamrot by decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29).
Jairzinho Rozenstruik won a split decision over Tai Tuivasa (29-28, 30-27, 27-30).
Carlos Prates knocked out Li Jingliang in the 2nd round.
Valter Walker submitted Junior Tafa in the 1st round (Technical Submission).
Ricardo Ramos won a split decision over Josh Culibao (29-28, 29-28, 28-29).
Casey O’Neill beat Luana Santos by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26).
Jack Jenkins defeated Herbert Burns by 3rd round TKO.
Tom Nolan beat Alex Reyes by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28).
Song Kenan won against Ricky Glenn by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-26, 29-28).
Jesus Aguilar submitted Stewart Nicoll in the 1st round (Guillotine).
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