UFC 305: RAC Arena; Perth, Western Australia
The middleweight champion made sure that there would be no questionable calls by any of the three judges. Dricus Du Plessis put away the two-time former champion Israel Adesanya at 3:38 of round four by rear-naked choke. In doing so he showed that he’s A Serious Physical Package. One that has the tools for a long title reign.
If we’re going to be honest about things, had in “The Last Stylebender’s” own words “I made a stupid mistake” not happened the outcome could have been different. Coming off the longest break in his career, did Adesanya look like he had cage rust? No. But his footwork wasn’t as sharp as it was. Plus he was dealing with a perserverant opponent. Because the Nigerian-Australian was coming on. He was on his toes, and all the rips to the body he landed were about to pay big dividens.
Du Plessis managed to absorb all that action, and to a lesser extent kicks and head shots quite well. Thanks to his cardio. But he was starting to breathe with an open mouth. He did return fire constantly with greater results. Add in his leg attacks, although it didn’t appear that Adesanya’s legs were being compromised. Make no mistakes though, the threat of his ground game played a massive factor.
In the back and forth contest, Du Plessis hit on four of nine takedowns with 3:39 of control time. Overall he was outstruck though, 105 of 211 to 99 of 206. This win definitely levels him up. To be put through the fire and have your hand raised is what every champion needs. It’s his growth spurt.
What Awaits A Serious Physical Package Is Fireworks Somewhere
Du Plessis can be sloppy at times while in his blitzes falling to one side. But seems to never truly pay for it. Because no one can stand in the pocket with him to counter during them. His grappling and defense have improved. Although, being tight up top leaves your body exposed as Adesanya showed once again. Post fight Du Plessis quipped that he didn’t want to ever be kicked by Adesanya again.
That leads to possible outcomes of the victory since he chose didn’t name names. Option one is give Sean Strickland his rematch. That’s what Dana White has said is next. But we all know, just because it’s said doesn’t put it in stone. Less likely is a big push right now for Nassourdine Imavov who has started to chirp. But he has a big fight with Brendan Allen next month to get through. His striking output and ground game isn’t massively behind Du Plessis’s.
Option three is the winner of Khamzat Chimaev and Robert Whittaker at the end of October. It’s not hard to see White licking his chops if it’s Chimaev. His aggression would put Du Plessis on the back foot. Du Plessis would have to work triple as hard to get a takedown. Chimaev has a solid chin, and his ground game is better. But who knows if he could hold the champion down there. But it’s the type of electric fight that just sells itself. Whether Chimaev deserves the shot or not.
Fourth is if the former middleweight champion comes down and makes a return to the division. But that might be getting a bit hard now for Alex Pereira. If Adesanya’s kicks at all bothered him, “Poatan’s” might break Du Plessis in half. And the dynamite in the gloves will be coming at the champion harder and faster than anyone else’s. Pereira isn’t exactly easy to take down either. There you have it. Somewhere in there IS the champions second defense.
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