South Africa’s MMA champion, Dricus du Plessis, has retained his UFC Middleweight title after defeating Nigeria’s Israel Adesanya by a fourth-round submission, on Sunday morning at UFC305 in Perth, Australia.
The victory against Adesanya, who a former two-time champion is, records Du Plessis’ 10th consecutive win since beating Sean Strickland in January this year.
The fighters were even in the first three rounds of the match, exchanging impactful punches and leg kicks against each other.
In what seemed like Adesanya might dominate the championship round, Du Plessis successfully took him down with a double jab and locked him by the back in a tight rear-naked choke which led Adesanya to tap out.
“I came here ready to die, but I am grateful to be alive.
Luckily none of us had to go that route and I stand here a champion baby,” said Du Plessis in celebration as he uttered his famous words “Suid Afrika, dit lyk vir my hulle sal nooit leer nie, hulle weet nie wat ons weet nie’’, translated as South Africa, it looks like they will never learn. They don’t know what we know.
Despite their pre-fight hype dispute ahead of the clash, both fighters managed to bury the hatched after the match.
Du Plessis sought to apologised for comments that may have suggested that he undermines the fact that his opponent was from Africa while Adesanya gave him props for his triumph.
“To be honest, I knew he was always going to be a tough fight, but I felt strong in there.
I just made a stupid mistake.
I am disappointed in myself, but I am proud because this is the best I have ever felt.
I was beaten by the better man.
Well done to him,’’ Adesanya commented.
Meanwhile, Mzansi might be in for a treat to be the hosts of the next UFC fight event.
This after UFC President, Dana White promised South Africa a fight card should Du Plessis bring the belt back home.
South Africans continue to send congratulatory messages to the champ, but they are also not missing a chance to rub some salt on Nigeria’s wound after Adesanya’s loss.
