By Razeen Gutta
Undisputed UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis defeated Israel Adesanya by submission in a thrilling fight in Perth on Sunday.
The South African was walked out to the octagon by Springbok stars Siya Kolisi and Eben Etzebeth as the national anthem played and anticipation rose to an all-time high.
With Adesanya as the fan favourite, du Plessis came up against a hostile atmosphere and did not have it all his way in the fight.
In fact, he was cut open in round one itself; and the match quickly turned into a wrestle as the champ attempted the hold after some second round takedowns.
Just as the momentum began to swing the way of the Nigerian, du Plessis would show his champion mentality to turn it all around one more time.
He shook up his challenger with a few big blows before, this time, making him tap to secure a phenomenal fourth round win.
Following the heated build-up and intense fight, the pair embraced in an iconic moment post-match as du Plessis proudly lifted his title.
“For me, [it was an honour] to share this octagon with a legend. Not potentially, but 100 percent a hall of famer. This man has done so much for this sport,” Du Plessis said post-match.
“I’m really sorry that it came across that I disrespected the fact that he’s from Africa. That was never my intention. Tonight, Africa would have won regardless, but tonight South Africa was the victor.”
Pictured above: Dricus du Plessis
Source: @brentjvv
