UFC 305: Dricus du Plessis vs. Israel Adesanya: Live round-by-round updates
A middleweight title fight between Dricus du Plessis and Israel Adesanya will headline UFC 305 in Perth, Australia.
From varying opinions on their African heritage to hurt feelings from a turbulent pre-fight presser, this fight seems to be personal for both men.
Du Plessis is undefeated in the promotion. In addition to his title-winning performance against Sean Strickland at UFC 297, 'Stillknocks' also has wins against big names including Robert Whittaker and Darren Till.
The 30-year-old is known for his pressure-based fighting style and durability. Seeing as Adesanya has struggled against pressure-based strikers in the past, du Plessis wouldn't have to stray too far from his usual gameplan this time around.
However, 'The Last Stylebender' will be coming to the fight night with ruthless intent. After being brought to tears by his opponent during the pre-fight press conference, Adesanya would be hunting for retribution in Perth.
But his recent run in the sport has been rather lackluster compared to his usual standards. The former champion is 3-2 in his last five, with his most recent fight ending in a unanimous decision loss to Strickland.
Nevertheless, the Nigerian-born Kiwi is one of the most decorated middleweights in UFC history, with five undisputed title defenses and wins against the likes of Anderson Silva, Whittaker, Paulo Costa, and Alex Pereira among others.
The UFC website has listed Adesanya as a -130 favorite over du Plessis (+110 underdog) for the matchup.
The main card of UFC 305 is now underway. Stick with Sportskeeda for live coverage and play-by-play updates from the event.
UFC 305: Dricus du Plessis vs. Israel Adesanya
Round 1
Adesanya is flicking quick jabs to gauge his range. Du Plessis opens up with a low kick. The champion blitzes forward but the champion gets out of his opponent's flurry.
A head kick lands for Adesanya and du Plessis returns fire. A lunging right-hand lands for 'Stillkoncks'. A cut seems to have appeared in the champion's ahead, probably from the head kick.
Du Plessis lands a jab and follows up with a takedown attempt which Adeasnya defends. The champion charges with a flurry, connecting a right hand.
Adesanya catches his opponent on the counter as he rushes in again. A powerful right hand followed by a kick lands for the champion.
Adesanya unloads a powerful body shot and du Plessis returns fire with a flurry.
Our score: 10-9 du Plessis.
Round 2
As the second round unfolds, Adesanya lands a leg kick forcing his opponent to switch his stance. The champion tries to level change but Adesanya gets to the cage wall to try and posture up.
Du Plessis attempts a rear naked choke but Adesanya gets out of danger and gets back up. Spectacular bodywork by Adesanya forces the champion to once again level change.
'Stillknock' has his opponent back up against the cage, seemingly in an effort to get a breather. While the champion is finding to hard to hold his opponent down, the content threat of takedowns has severely diminished Adesanya's work rate and broke his rhythm.
Our score: 10-9 du Plessis
Round 3
Adesanya seems to be the fresher fighter coming into the third round. The former champion is peppering up his opponent from the outside. Du Plessis gets stung with a body shot.
A head kick partially lands for Adesanya. Du Plessis rushes forward with a barrage of strikes and 'The Last Sylebender' returns fire with body shots. The champion seem to be a bit winded. As du Plessis tries to connect with a one-two, Adesanya returns with a spinning elbow.
The champion momentarily stuns his opponent with a flurry. Adesanya slips and falls as his opponent closes the distance. As the fire fight restarts du Plessis cashes his opponent on the counter.
A few body shots land for Adesanya. Both fighters are leaving it all out there in the octagon. What a fight.
Our score: 10-9 Adesanya.
Round 4
We're now into the championship rounds and Adesanya opens up with a head kick. As du Plessis tires a level change, Adesanya postures out of danger.
The bodywork from Adesanya seems to have lowered his opponent's work rate. The champion who now seems a bit winded is becoming less and less accurate with his shots.
A left hand lands for Adesanya and du Plessis hits back with a counter. As du Plessis tires to push the pace, he gets stung by a one-two. More body shots land for Adeasnya. A big left hook by the champion monetarily stuns his opponent.
Another left hook to the temple wobbles Adesanya. 'Stillknocks' continues his onslaught with some follow-up shots before taking his opponent down. Thereafter he locks in a face crank and rolls his opponent over on his back. The choke seems tight. 'The Last Stylebender' taps out.
Du Plessis is the victor.
Official result: Dricus du Plessis def. Israel Adesanya via submission. [Face crank in Round 4]