In a highly anticipated showdown, du Plessis successfully defended his UFC middleweight title by submitting Israel Adesanya in the main event of UFC 305. The bout was a thrilling back-and-forth battle that kept fans on the edge of their seats throughout.

The first three rounds showcased the skills and resilience of both fighters, with du Plessis and Adesanya exchanging powerful shots. Adesanya, known for his defensive prowess, managed to fend off du Plessis's takedown attempts. However, in the fourth round, du Plessis seized an opportunity when Adesanya retreated, unleashing a barrage of strikes and scoring a crucial takedown. Utilizing his ground game expertise, du Plessis swiftly applied a rear-naked choke, forcing Adesanya to tap out and securing the victory.

Reflecting on the fight in the post-fight press conference, du Plessis admitted that Adesanya showed more heart than he had anticipated. He revealed that part of his strategy was to push Adesanya's endurance to the limit, and he could sense the breaking point approaching at the end of the third round. Du Plessis further explained that he focused on countering Adesanya's attempts to control the octagon, capitalizing on his opponent's lack of experience in fighting with intense pressure. With each passing round, du Plessis progressively gained success and wore down Adesanya.

While du Plessis acknowledged that not everything went according to plan, he credited Adesanya for his resilience and impressive kicks. The champ stated that he initially intended to secure a knockout victory, but circumstances led him to seize the opportunity for a submission finish. Du Plessis emphasized his physical strength advantage over Adesanya, highlighting his ability to control the fight and land powerful strikes in their grappling exchanges.

Leading up to UFC 305, tension between du Plessis and Adesanya escalated due to comments made about being an African champion. However, following their intense battle, both fighters demonstrated respect for each other. Backstage after the fight, they embraced as du Plessis presented Adesanya with a jacket, symbolizing mutual respect. The moment drew significant attention from fans, showcasing the sportsmanship displayed after their rivalry inside the octagon.

Du Plessis clarified that he never intended to disrespect Adesanya's family, expressing his own respect for parents. In a conversation post-fight, he clarified any misunderstandings and emphasized the importance of resilience and toughness in the sport. Although they may not see eye to eye, du Plessis highlighted the respect he holds for Adesanya as a fellow warrior and acknowledged his achievements in the sport.

As du Plessis puts his rivalry with Adesanya to rest, he cherishes the memory of their epic bout. The jacket presented to Adesanya serves as a token of appreciation for the experience and a reminder of the immense moment in du Plessis' fighting career.

Saturday night marked another triumph for du Plessis as he successfully defended his middleweight title against a formidable opponent. His dominant performance and show of respect exemplified the true spirit of mixed martial arts. Fans are eagerly awaiting his next challenge as he solidifies his position among the UFC's elite fighters.