Sport Discussed

August 9, 2024

In a stunning upset at UFC 293, South Africa’s Dricus Du Plessis defeated Israel Adesanya by submission in the fourth round, retaining the UFC Middleweight Championship. The fight in Perth, Australia showcased Du Plessis’ resilience and skill, as he overcame the heavily favoured Adesanya in a thrilling encounter.

The Fight: A Strategic Battle

From the opening bell, it was clear that Du Plessis was not intimidated by Adesanya’s reputation or striking prowess. Known for his relentless pressure and unorthodox style, Du Plessis came out aggressively, pushing the pace and forcing Adesanya onto the back foot. Adesanya, a master of counter-striking, initially seemed content to wait for openings, but Du Plessis’ persistence gradually wore down his opponent’s defences

The first two rounds were competitive, with both fighters landing significant strikes. Adesanya, known for his precision and range, found success with his kicks and jabs, but Du Plessis continuously closed the distance, landing powerful shots of his own. As the fight progressed into the third round, Du Plessis began to assert his dominance, particularly in the clinch and on the ground, where his strength and grappling skills started to shine.

The Turning Point: Du Plessis Takes Control

The momentum shifted decisively in the fourth round. Du Plessis, who had been steadily breaking down Adesanya with his relentless pace, secured a takedown early in the round. From there, he transitioned to a dominant position, working patiently to secure a rear-naked choke. Adesanya, known for his submission defense, struggled to escape, but Du Plessis’ grip was too strong. After a brief but intense struggle, Adesanya was forced to tap, signaling the end of his reign and crowning Du Plessis as the new middleweight champion.

The submission victory sent shockwaves through the MMA world, as Du Plessis, who had been considered a heavy underdog, proved that he belonged among the elite in the division.

Post-Fight Interview: “Africa Was Going to Win Either Way”

In his post-fight interview, Du Plessis delivered a message that resonated far beyond the octagon. When asked about his victory over Adesanya, a fellow African-born fighter who proudly represents Nigeria, Du Plessis said, “Africa was going to win either way tonight. Israel and I are both from the same continent and no matter who won, it was a victory for Africa.”

His comments were a nod to the shared heritage between the two fighters and a recognition of the growing influence of African-born athletes in the UFC. Du Plessis, who hails from Pretoria, South Africa, has often spoken about his pride in representing Africa on the global stage, and his victory over Adesanya, one of the sport’s biggest stars, further cements his place as a leading figure in African MMA.

Adesanya’s Response and Future

Israel Adesanya, visibly disappointed but gracious in defeat, congratulated Du Plessis on his victory. “He was the better man tonight,” Adesanya said in his post-fight interview. “I made some mistakes, and he capitalized on them. That’s the fight game. I’ll be back.”

Adesanya’s future in the division remains uncertain. As one of the most successful middleweight champions in UFC history, with multiple title defenses and victories over top contenders, he will likely have options, whether that means an immediate rematch, a move to another weight class, or taking some time off to reassess his career.

A New Era in the Middleweight Division

Dricus Du Plessis’ victory marks the beginning of a new era in the UFC middleweight division. With his blend of power, grappling ability, and relentless pressure, Du Plessis has proven that he is a formidable force and a deserving champion. The win also solidifies his place as one of the top African fighters in the UFC, joining the ranks of other African-born champions like Francis Ngannou and Kamaru Usman.

As the newly crowned champion, Du Plessis will now have a target on his back, with other top contenders in the division eager to challenge him. However, with the confidence and momentum gained from defeating Adesanya, Du Plessis will be ready to defend his title against all comers.

Looking Ahead

The UFC middleweight division is set for an exciting future, with Dricus Du Plessis at the helm. His victory over Israel Adesanya has shaken up the division and created new opportunities for matchups and rivalries. Fans will be eager to see how Du Plessis performs as champion and whether he can build on this historic win.

For Adesanya, the loss is a setback, but given his track record and fighting spirit, it’s likely he will bounce back stronger. The possibility of a rematch between the two could be one of the most anticipated fights in the UFC’s future, as both fighters continue to represent Africa on the world stage.