At UFC 305, Dricus Du Plessis silenced his critics with a fourth-round submission victory over Israel Adesanya, retaining his middleweight title in a highly anticipated showdown in Perth, Australia. Despite the heated buildup to the fight, which saw Du Plessis question Adesanya’s African heritage, the South African champion was quick to offer an apology post-fight, acknowledging the mutual respect shared between the two fighters.
Du Plessis had control of the fight, leading 2-1 on the judges’ scorecards, when the contest took a dramatic turn. Adesanya, a two-time former middleweight champion, looked poised for a comeback, but Du Plessis landed a short left hook that stunned the Nigerian-born fighter. A follow-up barrage of strikes allowed Du Plessis to lock in a rear-naked choke, sealing the victory as Adesanya was left with no choice but to tap out.
Apology After the Win
In the lead-up to UFC 305, Du Plessis sparked controversy by claiming he was the only “true” African champion in the UFC, as Adesanya represents New Zealand rather than his Nigerian roots. After the fight, however, Du Plessis walked back his remarks, expressing regret over how his words were received.
“I never meant to disrespect Israel’s heritage or his roots,” Du Plessis said in his post-fight interview. “Africa was going to win tonight no matter what. But South Africa came out on top this time. Sharing the cage with someone like him, a true legend of the sport, was an absolute honour.”
He added, “Israel is a Hall of Famer, without a doubt. He’s done so much for MMA, and I respect him warrior to warrior.”
Adesanya: “I Made a Costly Mistake”
Adesanya, known for his tactical brilliance and striking, was uncharacteristically vulnerable on the ground in this contest. Reflecting on the submission loss, the 35-year-old admitted he made a critical error that cost him the fight.
“I just left myself open, made a dumb mistake, and he capitalized on it,” Adesanya stated. “I’m disappointed in myself because I didn’t execute what I had planned. But credit to Dricus—he was the better man tonight.”
Despite the setback, Adesanya made it clear that retirement is not in his immediate plans. “I’m not done with the UFC. I’ve still got a lot left to do.”
Kai Kara-France Steals the Show with First-Round Knockout
In the co-main event, New Zealand’s Kai Kara-France delivered a statement with a blistering first-round knockout of hometown favourite Steve Erceg. Erceg started strong, using his jab effectively, but Kara-France turned the fight on its head with a crushing overhand left. Erceg was floored twice before the referee stepped in to end the bout.
“Steve is a tough guy, a real gentleman, and he came to fight,” Kara-France said afterward. “But this is what we do. I took some time off to reflect and come back stronger, and now I’m ready for whoever comes next—maybe even a title shot.”
Prates Delivers Knockout of the Night
Brazil’s Carlos Prates delivered one of the night’s most memorable moments, knocking out Li Jingliang with a vicious left hook in the second round. Prates had hurt Jingliang in the first round and followed his coach’s advice to press the action, finishing the fight in style.
“This was special for me,” Prates said. “It’s my birthday, my daughter is here, and this win was the perfect gift.”
Other Notable Wins: Rozenstruik and Hooker Edge Out Split Decisions
Elsewhere on the main card, heavyweight Jairzinho Rozenstruik and lightweight Dan Hooker both secured hard-fought split decision victories. Rozenstruik outlasted Australian favourite Tua Tuivasa in a close contest, while Hooker’s grit saw him edge out Mateusz Gamrot.
“I didn’t feel like I fought my best, but I got the win, and that’s what matters,” said Hooker, brimming with confidence after the victory. “I want it all next—give me Conor McGregor, a title eliminator, whatever. I’m ready for anything.”
With thrilling knockouts, high-stakes submissions, and unforgettable battles, UFC 305 was a night to remember for fans of mixed martial arts.
