Dricus Du Plessis Boasts, "The Cheers For Adesanya Were So Crazy—but I Shocked The World By Being The First One To Submit Him!"

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In the world of mixed martial arts (MMA), few moments are more electrifying than when two elite fighters step into the octagon to determine who reigns supreme. At UFC 305, one such moment took place as Dricus Du Plessis shocked the MMA world with a submission victory over the seemingly untouchable Israel Adesanya. Du Plessis, known for his striking prowess and grappling skills, delivered a career-defining performance, leaving fans and analysts in awe. His victory not only secured his place as the UFC middleweight champion but also proved that perseverance, tactical brilliance, and a never-quit attitude can lead to greatness.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into Du Plessis’ journey, analyze his strategy, and explore what his victory over Adesanya means for the future of the middleweight division.

The Rise of Dricus Du Plessis

Born on January 14, 1994, in Pretoria, South Africa, Dricus Du Plessis began his combat sports journey at a young age. His love for fighting led him to train in a variety of disciplines, including kickboxing, Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ), and Muay Thai. By the time he transitioned to professional MMA, Du Plessis had already built a strong foundation in striking and grappling, which would serve him well in the cage.

Before joining the UFC, Du Plessis competed in prominent organizations like EFC (Extreme Fighting Championship) and KSW (Konfrontacja Sztuk Walki), where he earned championship titles and developed a reputation as a dangerous, well-rounded fighter. His relentless fighting style, characterized by constant pressure, knockout power, and submission skills, made him a fan favorite and caught the attention of the UFC.

Entering the UFC and Making an Impact

Du Plessis made his UFC debut in October 2020, and it didn’t take long for him to make an impression. In his very first fight, he scored a knockout victory, showcasing the kind of explosiveness and aggression that would become his trademark. As he continued to climb the ranks, Du Plessis faced tougher opponents, but he remained undeterred, defeating them with a mix of striking precision, superior grappling, and impeccable conditioning.

By the time UFC 305 arrived, Du Plessis had already proven himself to be a legitimate contender. However, standing between him and middleweight gold was none other than Israel Adesanya, one of the most skilled and dominant fighters in UFC history.

UFC 305: A Night to Remember

The atmosphere at UFC 305 was electric. Fans packed the arena, eager to witness what many believed would be another showcase of Adesanya’s striking brilliance. As Du Plessis stepped into the octagon, he was greeted with a deafening wave of boos—a stark reminder that he was the underdog in this fight.

Reflecting on that moment, Du Plessis later said:

“That night, when they introduced Israel Adesanya, I got goosebumps because the sound was so loud. It was the loudest noise I’ve ever heard in my life. And with the same intensity, they booed me. But I overcame it all that night. That victory was the most important one of my career. Sharing the octagon with Israel was amazing, but being the first to submit him was even better.”

These words capture the magnitude of what Du Plessis achieved that night.

Breaking Down the Fight

A Tactical Masterclass

From the opening bell, it was clear that Du Plessis had a game plan—and he executed it to perfection. Unlike many of Adesanya’s previous opponents, who struggled to deal with his reach, footwork, and counterstriking, Du Plessis refused to be intimidated.

Instead of trying to outpoint Adesanya in a striking match, Du Plessis used a combination of pressure, feints, and well-timed takedowns to disrupt the champion’s rhythm. By the end of the second round, Adesanya looked visibly frustrated, unable to establish his usual dominance.

The Submission That Made History

The pivotal moment came in the fourth round. After successfully taking Adesanya down, Du Plessis quickly advanced to a dominant position and locked in a rear-naked choke—one of the most effective submissions in MMA. With Adesanya trapped and unable to escape, he had no choice but to tap out, giving Du Plessis the victory and the middleweight title.

This was a historic moment—not just because Du Plessis became the new champion, but because he was the first fighter to submit Adesanya in his professional MMA career.

What This Victory Means for Du Plessis

A New Era for the Middleweight Division

Du Plessis’ victory has ushered in a new era for the UFC middleweight division. His blend of striking, grappling, and fight IQ makes him a difficult matchup for anyone in the division. But with great power comes great responsibility—and as the new champion, Du Plessis will face a long line of challengers eager to take the belt from him.

A Growing Legacy

For Du Plessis, this victory is more than just a title win—it’s a legacy-defining moment. By defeating one of the greatest middleweights of all time, he has cemented his place in the history books and earned the respect of fans and fighters alike.

Lessons Learned: Why Du Plessis’ Strategy Worked

Pressure Is Key – By constantly moving forward and forcing Adesanya to fight off his back foot, Du Plessis was able to neutralize his opponent’s striking.
Mixing Strikes and Takedowns – Du Plessis’ ability to blend striking and grappling kept Adesanya guessing and made it difficult for him to mount an effective offense.
Superior Conditioning – Du Plessis’ relentless pace and cardio gave him an edge in the later rounds, allowing him to capitalize when Adesanya began to tire.

The Road Ahead

As the newly crowned champion, Du Plessis will have no shortage of potential opponents. Possible matchups include:

Sean Strickland – A gritty, hard-hitting contender with excellent boxing skills.
Khamzat Chimaev – A rising star known for his ferocious ground-and-pound and wrestling dominance.
A Trilogy Fight with Israel Adesanya – Given the history between these two fighters, a trilogy bout could be inevitable.

Final Thoughts: The Making of a Champion

Dricus Du Plessis’ journey from regional MMA star to UFC middleweight champion is a testament to hard work, dedication, and unwavering self-belief. His victory over Israel Adesanya at UFC 305 was not just a win—it was a statement to the entire MMA world that he belongs at the top.

As he continues to defend his title and build his legacy, one thing is clear: Dricus Du Plessis is here to stay. The future of the middleweight division has never looked more exciting, and fans can’t wait to see what’s next for the South African sensation.