UFC Middleweight: Du Plessis submits Adesanya to retain championship

August 18, 2024.

By Samuel Ogunsona

The South African fighter, Dricus du Plessis, has successfully defended his Middleweight title against the Nigerian former champion, Israel Adesanya, at the highly anticipated UFC event.

They both showcased exceptional skill and determination, but ultimately, du Plessis’s grappling prowess proved decisive.

Adesanya, the former two time champion lost his belt to Sean Strickland last September.

The Yoruba born fighter came into the ring with determination to reclaim his lost belt against Du Plessis, but the SA fighter capitalised on his ground game to secure the victory.

The contest began with both competitors exchanging strikes, showcasing their exceptional stand-up skills. Adesanya, known for his kickboxing expertise, landed several precise kicks and punches.

However, du Plessis adapted, utilizing his wrestling background to take the fight to the ground.

In the second round, du Plessis seized control, executing a perfectly timed takedown. He transitioned seamlessly into a dominant position, applying a tight arm-triangle choke. Adesanya, despite his valiant efforts, was forced to submit, tapping out at 3:45 of the second round.

Dricus du Plessis’s triumphant submission victory cements his reign atop the middleweight division, while Israel Adesanya is left to contemplate his future after a crushing defeat.

The electric atmosphere was fueled by the palpable tension and animosity between the two warriors, amplifying the drama of the evening