Joe
In a high-stakes showdown at UFC 305, Dricus du Plessis retained his middleweight title after forcing Israel Adesanya into submission during a grueling bout on Sunday.
But despite the loss, the Nigerian says it’s not over for him and insists he is not leaving.
Adesanya, reflecting on his performance, admitted to a critical mistake. “I knew it was going to be tough. I was cracking him,” he said. “I was quite strong in there. I felt able to resist his takedowns. I just made a stupid, dumb mistake on the ground.”
As for his future in the sport, Adesanya remains undeterred. “This is the best I’ve ever felt. I’m 35, I’m doing the right things. I’m not … leaving,” he declared.
The fight, marked by intense rivalry and personal animosity, culminated in the fourth round when du Plessis delivered a series of powerful blows, including a decisive left hook that stunned Adesanya.
The contest, held in Perth, saw both fighters exchanging heavy hits, with du Plessis eventually gaining the upper hand.
After landing three successive right punches, du Plessis capitalized on the opportunity to roll Adesanya over and secure a rear naked choke, prompting the New Zealander to tap out seconds later.
“This man is the king of getting back up,” du Plessis said in reference to Adesanya, who had been seeking his third middleweight championship. “I’m still alive, that’s a bonus. I came here to die for this belt and to take a life. I’m still champion, baby.”
The lead-up to the fight was filled with tension, as Adesanya and du Plessis exchanged heated words over the past few months. Du Plessis’ comment about being the first real African champion, due to his South African roots, had particularly irked Nigerian-born Adesanya.
On the eve of the fight, tensions escalated further when du Plessis responded to Adesanya’s vow to take the belt back to Africa if he won by asking whether Adesanya would “take his servants with him.” This remark brought Adesanya to tears as he reflected on the hardships his family faced growing up.
However, Adesanya was quick to reaffirm his determination, stating, “I can cry and whoop your ass at the same time. On Sunday, I’m going to f***ing kill your dreams.”
Despite the animosity, du Plessis expressed respect for Adesanya after the fight. “To share this octagon with a legend, a 100 percent hall of famer,” du Plessis said.
“This man has done so much for this sport. I’m sorry that it came across that I disrespected him. To share this cage with a legend like that, I have the utmost respect for him, warrior to warrior.”
The bout, intense from start to finish, did not begin with the customary touch of gloves, highlighting the deep-seated rivalry between the two fighters.
