UFC 305 delivered high-octane action as fans witnessed a stunning upset, explosive knockouts, and thrilling back-and-forth battles in the main event clashes.
Adesanya falls to Du Plessis via submission
In a major shocker, Nigerian-born Israel Adesanya was submitted in the fourth round by South Africa’s Dricus Du Plessis, losing his bid to reclaim the middleweight title.
Despite leading on the scorecards after three rounds, a rear-naked choke from Du Plessis sealed the victory, marking Adesanya’s third UFC loss.
The fight, held in Perth, Australia, was charged with racial tension, as both fighters exchanged heated words about African representation in the build-up.
Adesanya started strong, drawing first blood, but Du Plessis’s relentless pressure and superior wrestling in the later rounds eventually overwhelmed the former champion.
Kara-France stops Erceg in first round TKO
New Zealand’s Kai Kara-France delivered a first-round knockout victory over Australia’s Steve Erceg in their men’s flyweight bout.
Kara-France, a former title challenger, dropped Erceg twice, sealing the win with a crushing right hand that stopped the fight at 4:04 of the opening round.
Erceg, who entered the fight with high hopes after narrowly missing the title in his previous bout, was unable to withstand the early barrage.
Hooker edges Gamrot in a gruelling split decision
In a fight that could be labelled as the battle of the night, Dan Hooker earned a hard-fought split decision victory over Poland’s Mateusz Gamrot.
Hooker showcased resilience, defending several takedown attempts while dishing out significant damage in striking exchanges.
Adesanya battles Du Plessis for UFC middleweight belt
Both fighters traded heavy shots, with Hooker’s late-round pressure giving him the edge on the scorecards (28-29, 29-28, 29-28). Bloodied but unbowed, Hooker’s victory solidified his position as a top contender in the lightweight division.
Rozenstruik outpoints Tuivasa in heavyweight clash
In a closely contested bout, Jairzinho Rozenstruik defeated Australia’s Tai Tuivasa via split decision (29-28, 27-30, 30-27).
Both heavyweights had their moments, with Rozenstruik’s technical striking and timely counters making the difference.
Tuivasa tried to press forward throughout the fight but couldn’t land the decisive blows needed to sway the judges in his favour.
Prates stuns Li Jingliang with a knockout finish
Carlos Prates shocked the crowd with a devastating knockout of Li Jingliang in the second round of their welterweight encounter.
Li, known for his durability, was floored by a precise left hook that marked the first knockout loss of his career.
Prates’s victory further raises his stock as a rising force in the division.
Walker submits Tafa in the first round
Valter Walker made quick work of Junior Tafa, submitting the Australian with a heel hook in the closing seconds of the first round.
The Brazilian secured a verbal tap after a leg lock, ending Tafa’s night early in front of his home crowd.
PUNCH
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