Israel Adesanya will fight Dricus du Plessis at UFC 305 on August 17, 2024. Learn about the lead-up to this fight, the controversies, and the full fight card for this big event in Perth, Australia.
- Israel Adesanya will fight Dricus du Plessis at UFC 305 on August 17, 2024, aiming to reclaim the middleweight championship.
- The fight follows Adesanya’s loss to Sean Strickland and Du Plessis’ controversial win over Strickland.
- The bout is set against a backdrop of intense rivalry and heritage debates between the fighters.
Israel Adesanya Officially Announces Next Fight at UFC 305
Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has announced he will fight current champion Dricus du Plessis at UFC 305 on August 17, 2024.
This big fight will happen in Perth, Australia, where Adesanya hopes to win back the title he lost to Sean Strickland in September 2023.
Road to UFC 305: Adesanya’s Comeback, du Plessis’ Rise
Adesanya lost his middleweight championship to Sean Strickland by unanimous decision at UFC 293.
Strickland didn’t keep the title for long. In January 2024, he lost his first defense to Dricus du Plessis in a split decision at UFC 297. This win set up Du Plessis to fight Adesanya, but a foot injury made Du Plessis miss UFC 293, giving Strickland a chance to step in.
UFC president Dana White confirmed this fight during a talk with Jim Rome after Adesanya announced it on social media.
This match will be the main event at UFC 305, which is expected to be a key moment in the middleweight division.
Controversy Between Israel Adesanya and Dricus du Plessis
The UFC match between Adesanya and Du Plessis is not just for the title; it’s also about their personal rivalry. Du Plessis, from South Africa, called himself the “first real African champion” in the UFC.
This statement upset fighters like Adesanya, Kamaru Usman, and Francis Ngannou, who also have African roots.
This has led to much tension and harsh words between Du Plessis and Adesanya. Du Plessis beat Robert Whittaker at UFC 290, which should have set up a fight with Adesanya. But Du Plessis got hurt, and Strickland stepped in.
Now, with Adesanya back in the picture, this fight is one of the most important in the middleweight division.
UFC 305 Event Details: Key Matchups and Venue Information
UFC 305 will be held at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia, with the early prelims starting at 6 p.m. ET. Adesanya’s supporters, who reside in New Zealand and train at the City Kickboxing gym, are expected to fill the venue.
In addition to the Adesanya vs. Du Plessis main event, the card includes several exciting matchups:
- Kai Kara France vs. Steve Erceg in a High-Stakes Flyweight Contender Battle: This fight could determine the next title challenger.
- Tom Nolan vs. Alex Reyes in a Lightweight Showdown: A lightweight clash promising intense action.
- Casey O’Neill vs. Tereza Bledá in a Key Women’s Division Matchup: A fight that could shake up the rankings.
Stay tuned for more updates as additional fights and details about UFC 305 are shared as the event gets closer.
