The long-awaited grudge match between Israel Adesanya and Dricus du Plessis finally happened at UFC 305. The reigning middleweight champion, du Plessis has successfully defended his crown in his title defense fight. With that victory, the South African fighter has cemented his reign at the promotion. Interestingly, Adesanya’s shocking defeat has left many fans in dismay.
UFC 305 started with high anticipation with some of the names in the UFC, fighting on the same card. The main event was set for Izzy and DDP’s long-due fight. The pre-fight hype for their main event was at par with several back-and-forth exchanges between Adesanya and du Plessis. Even at the pre-fight presser, Izzy had a teary breakdown while having a heated exchange with DDP.
The match unfolded largely as anticipated, with Adesanya showcasing exceptional technical skill on the feet. Whereas, du Plessis demonstrated a relentless determination to secure victory by any means necessary. DDP consistently pressed forward and delivered powerful punches to Adesanya. In the second round, du Plessis successfully executed a takedown, but Izzy tenaciously defended his position.
There were moments where it looked like Adesanya was going to hurt du Plessis. However, DDP was top-notch with his guard and head movements. Not only, that du Plessis’ constant pressure shooting takedowns have eventually opened up the space to hold Adesanya. DDP took advantage and eventually submitted Izzy via rear naked choke in round 4.
With this victory, as du Plessis once said, he might be considered one of the greatest middleweights of all time. After choking out Adesanya, he might soon be considered that. However, the fight fans believed Izzy was close to winning the fight. At several moments Adesanya made du DDP stumble upon his feet. However, the result spoke otherwise, leaving every fight fans shocked.
Fight fans react to Dricus du Plessis vs. Israel Adesanya fight
During the pre-fight buildup of the UFC 305 several UFC fighters. Some even gave lengthy advice to the challenger. However, Adesanya could not stand up to everyone’s expectations. Izzy has been a popular UFC fighter, be it for his walkout gimmicks or extraordinary comeback wins. Interestingly, this time Adesanya could not give the fight fans another exquisite memory of his.
Dricus du Plessis and Israel Adesanya at UFC 305 (Image via UFC)The fight fans were quick to show their disappointment at the fight result. Many stated that they were hopeful to see a contender Izzy win again. However, many were puzzled seeing Dricus du Plessis win. Check out some of the fan reactions below.
Izzy was whooping his ass and then just imploded, what the hell was that
— kevjitsu 🥋 (@kevjitsu) August 18, 2024
That was a crazy ass fight
Just when I thought Dricus was losing he pulled that out of the bag
— Aj (@AjDuxche) August 18, 2024
How the fuck does he keep doing it
— Alex Behunin (@AlexBehunin) August 18, 2024
Oh my god. The MMA gods have chosen this man for some god forsaken reason
— caposa (@Grabaka_Hitman) August 18, 2024
DDPPPPPPPPPP YOU BEAUTYYYYYYY
— Maya ☘️ (@mayaxordonez) August 18, 2024
ITS OVER ISRAEL YOU ARE NOT THAT GUY
— not sh*na (@ufcshosh) August 18, 2024
Im not champion or anything but how da fook this mdfkrr keeps winning 😂 #UFC305
— Renato Moicano UFC (@moicanoufc) August 18, 2024
Nobody saw this coming …🙄🙄
— TOYONE Couture✂️👔👖 (@toyone_couture) August 18, 2024
Not only fans, but several fellow UFC fighters also shared their reaction to the fight. A tough rivalry might have ended with this as both the fighters embraced each other following the fight. Although Izzy has not hinted anything about his retirement, now it remains to be seen when will these two middleweight goliaths fight again.
