At UFC 305, South Africa’s Dricus du Plessis successfully defended his UFC middleweight title against Nigeria’s Israel Adesanya, marking a pivotal moment in mixed martial arts. Held at the RAC Arena, the fight was more than just a title fight; it became a cultural clash, with fans from both countries closely following the event.
The fight was a tactical battle. Adesanya, known for his striking, tried to outbox du Plessis, but du Plessis proved his versatility, especially in his grappling. The fight came down to a fourth-round choke, where du Plessis secured a rear-naked choke, forcing Adesanya to submit.
Du Plessis’ victory, marked by an improvement in his ground game, was dubbed “theThe Battle for Africa”, underscoring national pride. Both fighters have deep ties to their homeland, with Adesanya often reminiscing about his childhood in Lagos before moving to New Zealand.
The fight is of particular significance for Adesanya, who returned to the ring after losing his title to Sean Strickland. He wants to regain the belt and reestablish his dominance, but du Plessis’s victory further cements his rise from a 2020 UFC newcomer to one of the division’s top middleweights.
Reactions on social media were mixed. South Africans celebrated du Plessis’ win, while Nigerian fans were disappointed but acknowledged Adesanya’s effort. One notable post referenced a large bet, including one from Drake, placed on Adesanya, showing the financial stakes in high-profile UFC fights.
The fight highlights the competitive nature of the UFC and the growing interest in MMA across Africa. UFC President Dana White has hinted at future events on the continent, and the success of this Perth event, with its crossover appeal between rugby and MMA, suggests that more integrated sporting events could be on the horizon for the African market.
