Dricus du Plessis and Israel Adesanya praised each other effusively after the South African won by fourth-round submission at UFC 205 in Perth to retain the middleweight title.
Du Plessis and Adesanya had insulted each other fiercely in the build-up to their fight, including flashpoints on the subject of their African backgrounds.
“This man has done so much for this sport and I’m really sorry it came across that I disrespected he was from Africa,” Du Plessis said of Adesanya, calling the two-time champion, who was born in Nigeria and briefly lived in Ghana before moving to New Zealand, a “legend”.
“It was never my intention. Tonight, Africa won regardless. It was an honour for me to share this cage with a legend like that.”
His first title defense! 🏆 #UFC305@DRICUSDUPLESSIS brings the belt back to South Africa! 🇿🇦 PIC.TWITTER.COM/6GEG5W6E7L
— UFC (@ufc) AUGUST 18, 2024
Du Plessis vs Adesanya: ‘Respect’
“I have the utmost respect for him, an ultimate warrior,” added Du Plessis. “Believe me, I do not want to be kicked by that man again.
“I was fighting one of, if not the greatest striker ever in this division, I needed that takedown. At this level it’s hard to keep people down and this man is the king of getting back up.”
Fighting for the first time in 11 months, Adesanya suffered consecutive defeats for the first time after failing to recover from a right hook.
The South African, 30, rocked Nigeria-born New Zealander Adesanya with a right hook and being trapped in a rear-naked choke.
“And here I am, still champion baby.” 🎤@DRICUSDUPLESSIS reacts to his win over Israel Adesanya at #UFC305! PIC.TWITTER.COM/CASRUIYAFU
— UFC (@ufc) AUGUST 18, 2024
Adesanya ‘proud’ vs Du Plessis
“I’m disappointed in myself but at the same time I’m proud,” said Adesanya. “This is the best I’ve ever felt, the best I’ve ever looked.
“I just fought the better man on the night and I give him respect for that. I know you all want to see me down and want to see me lose but I’m not leaving.”
Elsewhere on the card, New Zealander Kai Kara-France knocked out Australian Steve Erceg in the first round of their bout and home fighter Dan Hooker beat Polish opponent Mateusz Gamrot via split decision.
Jairzinho Rozenstruik needed the same result to beat Tai Tuivasa and Carlos Prates earned a $50,000 bonus for knocking out Li Jingliang.
UFC 305 results
Dricus Du Plessis def. Israel Adesanya via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 4, 3:38
Kai Kara-France def. Steve Erceg via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 4:04
Dan Hooker def. Mateusz Gamrot via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Jairzinho Rozenstruik def. Tai Tuivasa via split decision (29-28, 27-30, 30-27)
Carlos Prates def. Li Jingliang via knockout (punch) – Round 2, 4:05
Valter Walker def. Junior Tafa via technical submission (heel hook) – Round 1, 4:56
Ricardo Ramos def. Josh Culibao via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Casey O’Neill def. Luana Santos via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)
Jack Jenkins def. Herbert Burns via TKO (referee stoppage) – Round 3, 0:48
Tom Nolan def. Alex Reyes via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Song Kenan def. Ricky Glenn via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-26, 29-28)
Jesus Aguilar def. Stewart Nicoll via technical submission (guillotine choke) – Round 1, 2:39
