The UFC's middleweight division has witnessed significant changes over the past two years, culminating in Drikus Du Plessis's recent title defense against Israel Adesanya at UFC 305. Since November 2022, four different fighters have held the championship, with Adesanya initially losing his title to Alex Pereira, only to reclaim it briefly before falling to Sean Strickland. Strickland's reign was short-lived, as he quickly ceded the title to Du Plessis, who faced Adesanya in a highly anticipated matchup in Australia.
The lead-up to the fight was marked by intense rivalry and emotional exchanges, particularly from Adesanya, who confronted Du Plessis about their backgrounds during a press conference. This confrontation escalated when Adesanya, visibly emotional, vowed to crush Du Plessis's dreams in the octagon. Adesanya, a former champion with a remarkable title reign of 1,134 days, approached this fight following a significant layoff and a recent loss, raising questions about his readiness against the formidable Du Plessis.
From the outset of the fight, both athletes exchanged fierce blows, with Du Plessis proving his mettle against one of the sport's top counter-punchers. Despite sustaining cuts early on, Du Plessis showcased his grappling skills and striking power, putting Adesanya on the canvas and executing a near submission. As the fight progressed, Adesanya fought back valiantly, displaying his striking prowess and attempting to regain control. However, Du Plessis's resilience and strategic approach ultimately led him to victory.
In the final moments of the fight, Du Plessis seized an opportunity to secure a rear-naked choke, forcing Adesanya to submit. This victory marked a significant milestone for Du Plessis, making him the first middleweight champion in two years to successfully defend his title. The sportsmanship displayed post-fight, with Du Plessis extending a handshake and hug to Adesanya, emphasized the respect between the two competitors.
Other notable fights at UFC 305 included Kai Kara-France's knockout of Steve Erceg, marking his return to title contention, and Dan Hooker's surprising victory over Mateusz Gamrot, who had been on a three-fight winning streak. Controversy also arose from the heavyweight bout between Jairzinho Rozenstruik and Tai Tuivasa, where Rozenstruik's dominant performance was not fully recognized by one judge, leading to a suspension for the official involved.
- This UFC 305 event not only highlighted the volatility of the middleweight division but also showcased the emotional and competitive nature of mixed martial arts. Adesanya's back-to-back defeats raise questions about his future in the sport, as he had previously been a dominant force in the division. Meanwhile, Du Plessis's victory positions him as a formidable champion, potentially setting the stage for future high-stakes matchups in the middleweight category. The event also featured significant discussions around judging decisions, particularly in the heavyweight bout, which may prompt the UFC to reassess its officiating standards to ensure fair outcomes. The controversies surrounding the judges' scores during the event could lead to reforms aimed at enhancing the integrity of the sport.
