Dricus Du Plessis successfully defended his UFC middleweight title against Israel Adesanya at UFC 305, held at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia. The fight, which took place on August 18, 2024, was marked by intense exchanges and a dramatic finish that solidified Du Plessis’s position as the reigning champion.
Du Plessis, known for his relentless fighting style, withstood a barrage of strikes from Adesanya throughout the early rounds. Despite taking a flurry of body shots, Du Plessis demonstrated his resilience and strategic prowess, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. In the fourth round, a combination of a left hook followed by three rights sent Adesanya crashing to the canvas, providing Du Plessis the opportunity he had been waiting for. Seizing the moment, Du Plessis swiftly transitioned into a rear-naked choke, forcing Adesanya to tap, securing the victory via submission.
This win marked Du Plessis’s first successful title defense since capturing the middleweight championship with a split-decision victory over Sean Strickland at UFC 297 in January. The win would also extend DDP’s UFC win streak to 8 consecutive fights allowing him to remain undefeated in the organisation. As he celebrated his win, Du Plessis reflected on the fight, praising Adesanya’s tenacity while reaffirming his own commitment to the title: “I came here to die for this belt and to take a life. I’m still champion, baby.”
The Real African Champion
The anticipation for the showdown between Dricus Du Plessis and Israel Adesanya at UFC 305 has been building up for months, fueled by a deep-seated rivalry that seems to transcend athletic competition. At the heart of this animosity lies a contentious debate over who can be considered the “real African champion” in the UFC. The controversy began when Dricus Du Plessis, the current middleweight champion, claimed he would be the first African-born, African-raised, and African-trained fighter to hold a UFC title, sparking a heated exchange with Israel Adesanya and Kamaru Usman who felt their own African heritage was being questioned.
This verbal sparring has only intensified the anticipation for their bout, as fans and pundits alike eagerly await the resolution of both the title and the pride at stake. The tension between these two fighters, both hailing from Africa but with vastly different backgrounds and perspectives, has created a narrative that goes beyond the Octagon, delving into themes of identity, culture, and the true meaning of being an African champion. As the stage was set for their clash in Perth, Australia, the world of MMA was abuzz with excitement and curiosity, ready to witness which fighter would emerge victorious and claim the mantle of the “real African champion.”
However, the debate over who can be considered the “real African champion” remains a contentious issue, with opinions divided among fans and fighters alike. Despite Du Plessis’s win, the narrative surrounding his African heritage continues to be a point of discussion. Israel Adesanya and other prominent African fighters like Kamaru Usman and Francis Ngannou have seemingly acknowledged Du Plessis as part of the new “Four Horsemen” of African MMA, alongside themselves. This shift from the “Three Kings” to the “Four Horsemen” could be interpreted as a form of acceptance of Du Plessis’s African credentials by these fighters.
The sentiment among many African fans, particularly those from South Africa, remains that Du Plessis is the only “real African champion.” This perspective is rooted in Du Plessis’s insistence that he is the first UFC champion who is African-born, African-raised, and still resides and trains in Africa. This distinction has been a central theme in the pre-fight animosity between Du Plessis and Adesanya, with Du Plessis maintaining that his continuous presence in Africa sets him apart from other African champions who train and live abroad.
The post-fight mutual respect shown by both fighters has somewhat cooled the pre-fight tensions, but the debate over what constitutes a “real African champion” is likely to persist. For many South African fans, Du Plessis’s victory solidifies his status as a true representative of African MMA, while others see him as one of several African champions who have made significant contributions to the sport.As the MMA world continues to grapple with this issue, it is clear that the definition of a “real African champion” will remain subjective, influenced by personal perspectives on identity, culture, and geographical ties. Despite this, Du Plessis’s achievement in defending his title has undoubtedly elevated his status within the UFC and reinforced his position as a leading figure in African MMA.
Izzy and DDP Post-Fight
Despite the intense animosity and heated exchanges leading up to their highly anticipated bout at UFC 305, Dricus Du Plessis and Israel Adesanya displayed a remarkable show of respect and sportsmanship following the fight. This poignant display of mutual admiration and respect underscored the deeper bonds that can form between fighters, even in the aftermath of fierce competition. In the moments immediately following Du Plessis’s fourth-round submission victory, the tension that had built up during the pre-fight period seemed to dissipate. Adesanya, despite his defeat, raised Du Plessis’s hand in a gesture of respect, acknowledging his opponent’s victory and skill.
Backstage, the respect continued as Du Plessis gifted Adesanya a custom-made South African jacket he had worn during the pre-fight press conference. This act was more than a simple gesture; it symbolized Du Plessis’s appreciation for the fight and his respect for Adesanya as a warrior. Adesanya, visibly moved by the gesture, referred to Du Plessis as a “true African champion,” further solidifying the newfound respect between them.Moreover, Du Plessis took the opportunity to address any perceived slights towards Adesanya’s family during the pre-fight build-up. He apologized for any offense he may have caused, emphasizing that his comments were never intended to disrespect Adesanya’s family. This heartfelt apology was met with understanding from Adesanya, who acknowledged Du Plessis’s sincerity.
The post-fight interaction also included a touching moment where Du Plessis met and spoke with Adesanya’s family, showing respect and gratitude for the opportunity to share the Octagon with such a formidable opponent. This exchange highlighted the human side of these athletes, revealing that beneath the surface of competitive rivalry lies a deep respect for one another’s skills and achievements.In the end, the fight and its aftermath served as a testament to the unique spirit of MMA, where fighters can transition from adversaries to respectful peers in the span of a single night. Despite their personal differences, Du Plessis and Adesanya demonstrated that true sportsmanship and respect can prevail, even in the most intense of competitions.
