The UFC heads to Perth, Australia this weekend for UFC 305, where a captivating middleweight championship clash between Dricus Du Plessis and Israel Adesanya takes centre stage. Josh Gaillard previews the card.
This event is packed with high-stakes match-ups across various divisions, promising a card full of exhilarating fights and potential shifts in the rankings. Du Plessis, defending his title for the first time, faces Adesanya, a two-time former champion.
The anticipation for this bout, intensified by their dramatic faceoff at UFC 290, sets the stage for a monumental showdown. As these elite fighters collide, fans can expect a bout full of intense action and pivotal moments in the middleweight division.
The UFC Middleweight Title is on the line as South African-born champion, Dricus Du Plessis, takes on Israel Adesanya.🥊
— Hollywoodbets (@Hollywoodbets) August 15, 2024
Come down for the ultimate watch party at Hollywoodbets Springfield Park!🤩#HWBTWT pic.twitter.com/S92KFSjR37
Main Event
Dricus Du Plessis 9/10 | Israel Adesanya 9/10
Dricus Du Plessis will look to solidify his legacy as he defends his UFC middleweight title for the first time against two-time former champion Israel Adesanya. This match-up, which has been brewing since their intense faceoff at UFC 290, promises to be a defining moment in both fighters’ careers.
Du Plessis, who made history as the first South African to win a UFC championship with a split-decision victory over Sean Strickland earlier this year, understands the magnitude of this fight. For him, a win over Adesanya, one of the most decorated middleweights in UFC history, would elevate him into the conversation of the all-time greats.
The stakes are incredibly high with Du Plessis aiming to prove that he is not just the new king of the division but also a future legend in the making. As the two warriors clash in Perth, the world will be watching to see if Du Plessis can back up his bold claims and cement his place at the top of the middleweight mountain.
Du Plessis (21-2) comes into this fight riding a wave of momentum. The South African captured the middleweight title earlier this year by outlasting Sean Strickland in a gruelling split decision. With a perfect 7-0 record in the UFC, “Stillknocks” has quickly risen to prominence. His unorthodox style and relentless pace have seen him overcome seasoned fighters like Brad Tavares, Derek Brunson, and former division champion Robert Whittaker.
Despite some scepticism surrounding his technique, Du Plessis has consistently delivered results, and he now faces the biggest challenge of his career in the former middleweight champion.
Israel Adesanya (24-3), the former two-time UFC middleweight champion, is looking to reclaim his throne after a surprising loss to Sean Strickland. “The Last Stylebender” could become only the second UFC fighter, after the legendary Randy Couture, to win the same title three times.
Known for his striking precision and tactical intelligence, Adesanya has previously bounced back from setbacks with impressive performances, including a knockout victory over Alex Pereira to regain his title. At 35 years old, Adesanya remains one of the most skilled and experienced fighters in the division.
Verdict: Dricus Du Plessis win 9/10
The fight between Du Plessis and Adesanya is likely to be a battle of contrasting strategies, with the defending champ aiming to overwhelm Adesanya with his relentless pressure and unpredictable style.
Du Plessis will look to close the distance early, using his aggressive approach to disrupt Adesanya’s rhythm and force him into exchanges where he can capitalise on his power and endurance.
If Du Plessis can maintain this pressure, he has a strong chance of wearing down Adesanya and securing a decisive victory. However, Adesanya’s experience and precision striking remain dangerous weapons.
Should Adesanya weather the storm and keep the fight at his preferred range, he could still outmanoeuvre Du Plessis and reclaim the middleweight title. The fight will hinge on whether Du Plessis can impose his will or if Adesanya can find a way to turn the tide in his favour.
UFC 305 Top Treble
- Du Plessis Win 1/1
- Hooker Win 24/10
- Tuivasa Win 33/20
Treble to win at 17/1
Full Card Predictions
Main Card: 04:00 CAT, Sunday, August 18
- Middleweight Championship Dricus du Plessis (9/10) vs Israel Adesanya (9/10): du Plessis
- Flyweight Kai Kara-France (5/4) vs Steve Erceg (56/100): Erceg
- Lightweight Mateusz Gamrot (2/7) vs Dan Hooker (24/10): Hooker
- Heavyweight Tai Tuivasa (33/20) vs Jairzinho Rozenstruik (42/100): Tuivasa
- Welterweight Li Jingliang (47/20) vs Carlos Prates (2/7): Prates
Preliminary Card: 02:00 CAT, Sunday, August 18
- Heavyweight Junior Tafa (73/100) vs Valter Walker (99/100): Tafa
- Featherweight Joshua Culibao (6/10) vs Ricardo Ramos (23/20): Culibao
- Women’s Flyweight Casey O’Neill (5/4) vs Luana Santos (56/100): Santos
- Featherweight Jack Jenkins (1/9) vs Herbert Burns (46/10): Jenkins
Early Preliminary Card: 00:30 CAT, Sunday, August 18
- Lightweight Tom Nolan (1/14) vs Alex Reyes (6/1): Nolan
- Welterweight Song Kenan (47/100) vs Ricky Glenn (29/20): Kenan
- Flyweight Stewart Nicoll (4/10) vs Jesús Santos Aguilar (17/10): Nicoll
