UFC 305

UFC Middleweight Champion Dricus du Plessis is set to defend his title for the first time against former champion Israel Adesanya at UFC 305. The highly anticipated bout will take place on 18 August 2024, at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia. This fight marks a significant moment in du Plessis’s career, following his victory over Sean Strickland at UFC 297 in January, where he became the first South African UFC champion. Adesanya, eager to reclaim his title, announced the fight on social media, which came as a surprise to UFC President Dana White.

“Apparently he already announced his own fight,”. White remarked on The Jim Rome Show

This announcement bypassed the usual UFC protocols, showcasing Adesanya’s proactive approach to securing his shot at the title. The rivalry between du Plessis and Adesanya has been brewing since UFC 290 in July last year. Du Plessis’s comments about being the first “born, bred, and trained African champion” did not sit well with Adesanya, who is Nigerian-born and now trains in New Zealand. This led to a heated exchange after du Plessis’s fight, with Adesanya suggesting a DNA test to prove du Plessis’s African heritage, to which du Plessis responded by calling Adesanya’s behavior unchampion-like and childlike. Du Plessis, who remains undefeated in the UFC with seven consecutive victories, has been preparing for this title defense with a focused mindset.

“This is just the beginning of the championship reign and the Dricus du Plessis era,”. he stated after his victory over Strickland

Adesanya, on the other hand, has optimized his training and nutrition, declaring his intention to come back stronger after his loss to Strickland in September 2023. The fight between du Plessis and Adesanya was one of the worst-kept secrets in the UFC, with both fighters hinting at the matchup in various interviews. The official confirmation of the fight came after UFC CEO Dana White inadvertently revealed UFC 305’s matchmaking board in a social media post, which fans quickly noticed. Adesanya, known as “The Last Stylebender,” aims to make history by becoming the first three-time middleweight champion if he defeats du Plessis. His career, marked by a reign from 2019 to 2023 and a brief loss and regain of the title against Alex Pereira, showcases his resilience and determination. As the fight date approaches, excitement builds not only for the UFC 305 main event but also for the sporting spectacle in Perth, with the Springboks facing Australia in a Rugby Championship fixture on the same night. This convergence of major sporting events underscores the significance of August 18 in the world of sports. Fans eagerly await the clash between du Plessis and Adesanya, a fight that promises to be a defining moment in both fighters’ careers and a thrilling addition to the UFC’s storied history.