Israel Adesanya, the former undisputed UFC Middleweight Champion, is set to make his return to the octagon on August 17, 2024, at UFC 305. The Nigerian-New Zealander will be facing off against the rising star, Dricus Du Plessis, for the coveted UFC Middleweight title.
The Matchup: Adesanya vs. Du Plessis
This highly anticipated bout will take place at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia, and will be exclusively available on ESPN+ for a price of $79.99. Both fighters are eager to prove their dominance in the middleweight division, setting the stage for a thrilling clash of styles and skills.
Israel Adesanya’s Comeback
After losing his title to Sean Strickland at UFC 293 in September 2023, Adesanya has been sidelined due to an injury. However, the former champion has recently announced his return to full training, paving the way for this title fight against Du Plessis.
Adesanya’s impressive MMA record stands at 24-3, with 16 wins by TKO/KO and 8 wins by decision. He is known for his exceptional striking abilities, with a significant strikes landed per minute of 3.93 and a significant strikes defense of 60%. Additionally, Adesanya has a takedown defense of 79%, showcasing his well-rounded skills.
Dricus Du Plessis: The Rising Challenger
Dricus Du Plessis, the South African fighter, has been making waves in the middleweight division. With a professional MMA record of 18-2, Du Plessis has proven himself to be a formidable opponent, with 10 wins by TKO/KO and 8 wins by decision.
Du Plessis is known for his aggressive and relentless fighting style, which has earned him a reputation as a dangerous finisher. He has a significant strikes landed per minute of 4.12 and a significant strikes defense of 57%. Additionally, Du Plessis has a takedown average of 1.53 per 15 minutes, demonstrating his well-rounded skill set.
The Stakes: Middleweight Title on the Line
This fight between Adesanya and Du Plessis will have significant implications for the UFC Middleweight division. The winner of this bout will become the new undisputed UFC Middleweight Champion, solidifying their position as the top contender in the weight class.
For Adesanya, this fight represents an opportunity to reclaim the title he once held and cement his legacy as one of the greatest middleweights in UFC history. On the other hand, Du Plessis sees this as a chance to make a statement and establish himself as the new dominant force in the division.
The Venue and Broadcast Details
The fight will take place at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia, a state-of-the-art venue that has hosted numerous high-profile UFC events in the past. The location holds a special significance for Adesanya, who has a strong fan base in Australia and will be looking to put on a show for his supporters.
Regarding the broadcast details, the fight will be exclusively available on ESPN+, the popular sports streaming platform. Fans will need to purchase the pay-per-view event for $79.99 to watch the highly anticipated clash between Adesanya and Du Plessis.
Conclusion
The upcoming fight between Israel Adesanya and Dricus Du Plessis promises to be a thrilling and highly anticipated event for MMA fans around the world. With the UFC Middleweight title on the line, both fighters will be leaving nothing to chance as they battle it out for the coveted championship.
As the date draws closer, the anticipation will continue to build, and fans will eagerly await the opportunity to witness this clash of titans. Whether you’re a die-hard Adesanya supporter or a rising Du Plessis fan, this fight is sure to deliver an unforgettable night of MMA action.
References:
- https://sports.betmgm.com/en/blog/ufc/when-is-israel-adesanya-next-fight-bm05/
- https://ringsideintel.com/mma/ufc/israel-adesanya-next-fight/
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianmazique/2024/06/17/israel-adesanya-officially-announces-next-fight-at-ufc-305/
