Israel Adesanya has pledged to continue his fighting career despite suffering a submission defeat to Dricus du Plessis in the fourth round.
At UFC 305 in Perth on Sunday, Adesanya experienced his first-ever submission loss as du Plessis successfully defended his middleweight title.
The bout saw du Plessis take an early advantage with a series of leg and high kicks, while Adesanya stayed composed, responding with precise counterattacks.
In the second round, du Plessis took Adesanya to the ground and threatened with a submission attempt. Although Adesanya managed to escape, he remained on the defensive for much of the round.
Adesanya fought back in the third round, landing effective body shots that seemed to weaken du Plessis. However, the South African champion weathered the storm and delivered some powerful strikes of his own.
In the fourth round, just as Adesanya appeared to be gaining momentum, du Plessis landed a decisive strike, followed by a rear-naked choke that forced Adesanya to tap out. Despite the defeat, Adesanya has expressed his determination to continue his fighting career.
After the fight, du Plessis expressed his respect for Adesanya’s strength saying,
“Nobody can take him down and keep him there.”
Despite the setback, Adesanya was unfazed in his post-fight interview.
“I’m not f***ing leaving!
“I’m 35. I’m doing all the right things. I know you all motherf***ers wanna see me lose, you wanna see me down,” he added.