Dricus Du Plessis admits Israel Adesanya is still a legend no matter how many he loses, but titles is out of his league now

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is a constantly evolving sport where champions rise, fall, and leave behind legacies that define generations. One of the biggest discussions in recent weeks has been Israel Adesanya’s future in the UFC following his loss to Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 305. As the new UFC Middleweight Champion, Du Plessis had a lot to say about Adesanya’s career and legacy, comparing him to one of the sport’s greatest legends, Anderson Silva. But does this mean Adesanya is finished in the title picture? Let’s break down the fight, Adesanya’s place in MMA history, and what’s next for the middleweight division.

Dricus Du Plessis: A New King in the Middleweight Division

Before discussing Adesanya’s legacy, it’s important to understand who Dricus Du Plessis is and how he reached the top. The South African fighter has taken the MMA world by storm with his aggressive fighting style, high-level conditioning, and relentless pressure inside the octagon.

Du Plessis made his UFC debut in 2020 and quickly racked up victories, defeating notable names such as Darren Till, Robert Whittaker, and Sean Strickland. His gritty determination and unorthodox striking helped him climb the rankings rapidly, earning a well-deserved title shot.

At UFC 305, he stepped into the cage against Israel Adesanya, one of the greatest middleweights of all time. Many doubted whether Du Plessis had what it took to defeat “The Last Stylebender,” but he silenced critics by securing a fourth-round submission victory. The win not only made him the new champion but also solidified his place as one of the most dangerous middleweights in UFC history.

UFC 305: Du Plessis vs. Adesanya – A Fight to Remember

The build-up to the fight was intense. Adesanya, known for his charismatic trash talk and psychological warfare, had previously dismissed Du Plessis as a real threat. But once the octagon doors closed, the South African fighter showed why he was a force to be reckoned with.

Fight Highlights

• Rounds 1 & 2: Adesanya controlled the distance with his elite striking, landing precise jabs and kicks. However, Du Plessis kept pressing forward, absorbing damage, and waiting for his moment.
• Round 3: Du Plessis began turning the tide by mixing up his striking with takedowns, exhausting Adesanya with relentless pressure.
• Round 4: Capitalizing on fatigued Adesanya, Du Plessis executed a perfect takedown, transitioning into a rear-naked choke that forced Adesanya to tap.

The fight marked the end of Adesanya’s championship run—at least for now—and the beginning of Du Plessis’ reign as the middleweight king.

Dricus Du Plessis’ Thoughts on Israel Adesanya’s Legacy

After the fight, Du Plessis was asked about Adesanya’s future and whether he believed the former champion would get another title shot. His response was both respectful and definitive:

“With Israel Adesanya, I don’t think he’ll get another title shot. Respectfully, I believe his legacy is already set in stone and will always be there. He can do whatever he wants at this point. I put him in the same category as Anderson Silva—you can lose multiple fights, but your legacy is forever.”

This statement highlights two key points:

1. Adesanya’s greatness is undeniable: regardless of what happens next, his contributions to the sport are already legendary.
2. The UFC is moving forward: With fresh challengers like Du Plessis, Khamzat Chimaev, and Bo Nickal rising, the division is evolving beyond Adesanya’s era.

Israel Adesanya’s Place in MMA History

There’s no question that Israel Adesanya is one of the greatest middleweights of all time. Let’s take a look at what he has accomplished throughout his career:

Adesanya’s UFC Career Achievements

• UFC Middleweight Champion (2019-2023)
• 5 successful title defenses
• Wins over elite fighters like Robert Whittaker (twice), Paulo Costa, Marvin Vettori, and Jared Cannonier
• One of the best striking arsenals in UFC history
• Jumped to Light Heavyweight to challenge for a second belt

Adesanya’s ability to mix precision striking with defensive movement made him a nightmare for opponents. He controlled the octagon like a chessboard, outsmarting his foes before delivering knockout blows.

A Comparison to Anderson Silva

Du Plessis’ comparison of Adesanya to Anderson Silva is fitting. Silva, widely regarded as the greatest middleweight in history, also had an unmatched title reign but experienced a late career decline. Even though Silva lost multiple fights toward the end, his legacy was never tarnished.

The same could be said for Adesanya. While he might not hold the belt anymore, his name will always be associated with some of the most entertaining fights in UFC history.

What’s Next for Israel Adesanya?

Although Du Plessis believes Adesanya won’t get another title shot, it’s hard to count him out entirely. Fighters like Jon Jones, Daniel Cormier, and Georges St-Pierre have all made successful comebacks.

So what are Adesanya’s options?

1. Taking a Break

Adesanya has fought frequently over the past five years. He could choose to step away for a year or two, allowing his body and mind to recover before making a strategic comeback.

2. Moving to Light Heavyweight (Again)

Adesanya previously challenged Jan Błachowicz for the Light Heavyweight title but came up short. A move back up might allow him to reinvent his fighting style and pursue a new challenge.

3. Superfights

Even if Adesanya never fights for a UFC title again, he could still participate in blockbuster fights against names like Conor McGregor, Khamzat Chimaev, or even Alex Pereira in a trilogy bout. These fights would sell out arenas and add to his legacy.

4. Retirement

Though unlikely, Adesanya could walk away from the sport and transition into entertainment, coaching, or even ownership roles within the UFC. His personality and marketability make him an ideal ambassador for MMA.

What’s Next for Dricus Du Plessis?

With Adesanya out of the title picture, who will challenge Du Plessis next? The middleweight division is full of hungry contenders ready to take their shot. Potential challengers include:

• Khamzat Chimaev: A dominant grappler who could pose a serious threat.
• Jared Cannonier: A veteran with knockout power.
• Sean Strickland (rematch?): If Strickland can rack up another win, he might get another shot.
• Bo Nickal: A young rising star with elite wrestling skills.

Du Plessis has already proven that he can defeat the best, but remaining champion is often harder than winning the belt. His next fight will determine whether he is just another champion or a dominant force for years to come.

Final Thoughts

Dricus Du Plessis’ victory over Israel Adesanya marks a new era in the UFC middleweight division. While Adesanya’s time at the top may be over, his legacy remains intact. He has achieved more than most fighters ever will, and whether he fights again or not, he will always be remembered as one of the greatest strikers in MMA history.

Meanwhile, Du Plessis must now defend his title against the next wave of challengers. With fighters like Chimaev and Cannonier waiting for their shot, the middleweight division remains one of the most exciting in the UFC.

The only question that remains is: Will Dricus Du Plessis build a legacy as great as Adesanya’s? Time will tell.