South African fighter, Dricus Du Plessis, in a highly charged main event at UFC 305, retained his middleweight title, defeating Nigerian-born Israel Adesanya by submission in the fourth round.
The grudge match, which had been fueled by pre-fight tensions over race and identity, culminated in a dramatic turn of events as Du Plessis secured the victory with a rear-naked choke.
A former two-time champion, Adesanya, came into the fight determined to reclaim the belt he lost to Sean Strickland last September.
In spite of trailing 2-1 on the scorecards heading into the fourth round, Du Plessis turned the tide with a series of powerful hooks and jabs, followed by a decisive takedown.
After locking Adesanya into the choke, the Nigerian-born fighter had no choice but to submit to him.
The fight began with both fighters showing aggression, with Adesanya landing sharp counters and cutting Du Plessis on the forehead early on.
Nevertheless, the South African’s pressure and wrestling skills proved too much for Adesanya as the fight progressed.
Photo: AP