Du Plessis submits Adesanya to retain UFC middleweight title

Dricus du Plessis is still the UFC middleweight champion, with the South African submitting Israel Adesanya in the fourth round of their title fight at UFC 305 in Perth on Sunday afternoon.

UFC bookmakers had du Plessis as a slight underdog coming into his first title defence, and at times, it looked as though their betting lines would be correct.

Adesanya largely had the better of the striking exchanges, and managed to elude du Plessis’ take down attempts well, with the exception of the second round.

However, the champion landed a powerful hook midway through the fourth round which rocked Adesanya, and the Nigerian-Kiwi fell to the mat under the subsequent onslaught.

Du Plessis pounced, getting on his opponent’s back and quickly securing the rear naked choke to hand Adesanya his fourth career loss.

Du Plessis vs Adesanya beef squashed in aftermath of fight

Heading into Sunday’s fight, tensions had been rising between du Plessis and Adesanya.

Adesanya had initially taken exception to du Plessis’ claim that he was the first African champion, with fighters such as himself and Francis Ngannou being of African descent.

Matters got even more heated in the pre-fight press conference, when du Plessis needled Adesanya about his upbringing.

However, all differences were set aside in the immediate aftermath of the UFC 305 main event.

“For me to share this octagon with a legend, 100 percent a Hall of Famer,” said du Plessis after the fight.

“This man has done so much for this sport.

“I’m really sorry that it came across that I disrespected the fact that he’s from Africa, that was never my intention.

“Tonight Africa would have won regardless. But tonight, South Africa was the victor.

“It was an honour for me to share this cage with a legend like that.

“I have the utmost respect for him, warrior to warrior.”

Adesanya responded in kind, raising du Plessis’ hand in the Octagon and hailing him to the crowd.

Adesanya swears to be back

The defeated Adesanya has promised that he will come back stronger, with no signs of retirement for the 35-year-old.

“I know all you motherf***ers want to see me lose, you want to see me down,” he said on Sunday.

“But watch this… I’m not f***ing leaving. I’m not f***ing leaving!”

Du Plessis has also spoken about his future, with the South African being very clear about his intentions in the division.

“I want to hear ‘and still’,” said du Plessis.

“I don’t care about the opponents.”