JOHANNESBURG - Dricus du Plessis has retained his UFC middleweight title.
He beat former two-time champion Israel Adesanya to retain his title.
Du Plessis (22-2) has now won 10 fights in a row, having originally claimed the belt after beating polarising Sean Strickland in January.
Adesanya (24-4) enjoyed significant crowd support and seemed to have an edge for much of the fight until he was helpless against du Plessis' rear-naked choke.
"I'm disappointed, but at the same time I'm proud because this is the best I've felt and looked," said the Nigeria-born New Zealander, who made his return after a shock defeat to Strickland in September last year.
"I just had the better man on the night and I'll give him respect for that."
It was a measured start amid a febrile atmosphere with the taller Adesanya, a former kickboxer, using his longer reach to fend off the aggression of du Plessis.
Adesanya aimed to counterstrike and he utilised his favoured kicks to deadly effect, as du Plessis emerged bloodied on his forehead.
Du Plessis unleashed a powerful left-handed punch late in the first round and his momentum continued in the next when he landed a big takedown and had control on Adesanya's back.
But he could not lock in a submission as Adesanya worked his way back into the fight with grappling.
Adesanya's strategy of wearing down Du Plessis appeared to take effect by the fourth round as he landed cleaner punches.
But Du Plessis mustered energy and a rattling blow wobbled Adesanya as the South African soon emerged triumphant.
- Additional reporting AFP
The fight game is special 👏 #UFC305
Dricus Du Plessis and Israel Adesanya bury the hatchet after their fight! pic.twitter.com/McDHRWPLDY— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) August 18, 2024