South African fighter, Dricus du Plessis, successfully defended his UFC middleweight title, after a fourth-round submission victory over Nigerian-born Israel Adesanya at Perth Arena.
In the main event of UFC 305, du Plessis was losing on the cards, before a stunning takedown of Adesanya solidified his 185-pound belt.
Du Plessis (22-2) has now won 10 fights in a row, having originally claimed the belt after beating polarising Sean Strickland in January.
“I came in here to die for this belt,” du Plessis said.
“I came here to take it home. Here I am, still the champion.”
At a sold-out 15,000 Perth Arena, Adesanya (24-4) enjoyed significant crowd support and seemed to have an edge for much of the fight until he was helpless against du Plessis’ rear-naked choke.
“I’m disappointed, but at the same time I’m proud because this is the best I’ve felt and looked,” said the Nigeria-born New Zealander, who made his return after a shock defeat to Strickland in September last year.
“I just had the better man on the night and I’ll give him respect for that.”
