Dricus du Plessis successfully defended his middleweight title against Israel Adesanya at UFC 305, securing a fourth-round submission victory. The South African fighter, known for his resilience and skill, faced a barrage of predictions favoring his opponent, including those from former UFC heavyweight Brendan Schaub.
Schaub, who had confidently backed Adesanya, predicted that “The Last Stylebender” would outclass du Plessis. He stated on his YouTube channel that Adesanya would dominate the fight, describing him as the hunter who would reclaim his position at the top. However, the outcome was quite the opposite, with du Plessis proving his critics wrong.
Following his victory, du Plessis didn’t hold back in responding to Schaub’s predictions. He took to social media to address Schaub directly, calling him a “never been” and sarcastically thanking him for his prediction. This response highlighted du Plessis’ confidence and his ability to rise above the doubters.
Dricus du Plessis made sure to remind Brendan Schaub that he predicted Israel Adesanya was going to "beat the sh*t out of him" 😅
🎥 YT / @BrendanSchaub, @joeroganhq #UFC305 #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/OiDcGikJcN
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) August 18, 2024
The fight itself was a testament to du Plessis’ strategic prowess. Despite Adesanya’s initial control on the feet, du Plessis capitalized on a crucial mistake, leading to the decisive submission in the fourth round. This victory not only solidified his position as the middleweight champion but also showcased his ability to perform under pressure.
What’s next for Dricus Du Plessis?
As the dust settles from UFC 305, the MMA community is abuzz with discussions about du Plessis’ future. With his title defense, he has firmly established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the middleweight division. Meanwhile, Brendan Schaub’s predictions serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the sport, where anything can happen inside the Octagon.
Dricus Du Plessis’ victory and his subsequent response to Schaub underscore the importance of resilience and self-belief in the face of doubt. As he continues to celebrate his win, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see what the future holds for this formidable champion.