- Victory came in fourth round of highly-anticipated clash
- du Plessis has defended his middleweight world title
Dricus du Plessis has submitted Israel Adesanya in the fourth round at UFC 305 to defend his middleweight title and add a decisive new chapter to their intense rivalry.
The South African executed a rear naked choke to take the win after rocking the ‘Style Bender’ with a right hook before taking him down.
The victory in Perth, Western Australia on Sunday (local time) came after du Plessis played a part in driving Adesanya to break down in tears and storm off the stage when he was asked about his family during their pre-fight press conference on Friday.
Du Plessis’s long rivalry with Nigerian-born Adesanya has seen them take shots at each other for years.
Both fighters have been battling each other for the ‘real African’ title for some time, after du Plessis claimed to be the first champion from the continent.
The statement infuriated Adesanya – who now represents New Zealand in the octagon – as well as Kamaru Usman, the former UFC welterweight champion.
However, the rivals were full of praise for each other after the fight was decided.
The decisive moment: Du Plessis (left) puts on the choke that saw him defend his middleweight title and get the upper hand in his bitter rivalry with Israel Adesanya (right)
The South African scored with a right hook to the head and then had no trouble taking Adesanya down and putting on the submission that ended it all
They’d spent years throwing barbs at each other but the two African-born fighters were full of praise for each other at the end of the bout
Du Plessis said it was an honour to ‘share the octagon with a legend’ and added: ‘This man has done so much for this sport and I’m really sorry it came across that I disrespected that he is from Africa.
‘It wasn’t my intention.’
Adesanya said: ‘I always knew he was going to be tough, so that’s no surprise.
‘This is the best I’ve ever felt and the best I’ve ever looked but I just fought the best man on the night.’
He then had a message for any fans or experts who believe he could retire after losing three of his last four bouts: ‘I’m not f**king leaving.’
During their press conference on Friday, tension rose when Adesanya was asked whether he would visit Africa in the near future, and the fighter confidently responded that he is planning to take his belt to Nigeria and South Africa.
Du Plessis emerged with the question: ‘Are you taking the servants with you when you’re going back?’ suggesting that the New Zealander grew up rich.
Adesanya exploded and asked: What the f*** are you even on about?
‘You don’t even know anything about my story. You have no idea who the f*** I am.’
Du Plessis retained his middleweight belt in emphatic fashion after getting into his opponent’s head in the lead-up to the bout
Nigerian-born Adesanya broke down in tears in Friday’s pre-fight press conference (pictured) when Du Plessis made a remark about his background
It was followed by a question to ‘The Last Stylebender’ from the crowd regarding the tension between the fighters.
Breaking into tears, he pointed to his family and said: ‘He touched a subject there because I do this for the family.
‘I do this for the people I love, and I will fight for you forever, I swear to God.’
The 35-year-old once again mocked his opponent after recognising his love for his fans.
‘I feel the love from the crowd. First time I fought here [UFC] 221, that was February 2018, that was me making my dream come true.
‘Sunday, I’m going to f***ing kill your dreams, b***h, I’m going to kill your dreams.’ said Adesanya before walking off the stage as the press conference ended.
