UFC 305 Preview: Can Israel Adesanya Reclaim Middleweight Glory Against Dricus du Plessis?

This Saturday, UFC 305 promises to deliver high-stakes drama as Israel Adesanya, arguably the most dominant middleweight in history, attempts to reclaim the title he shockingly lost at UFC 293. Standing in his way is Dricus du Plessis, the newly crowned champion, who is eager to prove that his reign is not a mere fluke but the beginning of a new era in the division.

For Adesanya, this fight is not just about regaining his belt; it’s about restoring his legacy after a stunning upset loss to Sean Strickland. Dubbed “The Last Stylebender,” Adesanya has long been known for his exceptional striking, fight IQ, and ability to dictate the pace inside the Octagon. A victory on Saturday would make him a three-time middleweight champion, further solidifying his place among the UFC all-time greats.

On the other side of the Octagon, du Plessis enters with a chip on his shoulder. The South African fighter has rapidly climbed the ranks with an aggressive style that combines knockout power with formidable submission skills. Despite his recent success, du Plessis has yet to fully convince the MMA community that he’s the true king of the middleweight division. A win against Adesanya, would force everyone to take him seriously as the undisputed champion.

Adesanya’s path to victory lies in his striking superiority. His kickboxing background, coupled with his ability to counter effectively in the clinch, makes him a dangerous opponent for anyone. He’s adept at using his reach to keep opponents at bay while landing precise, powerful strikes. Adesanya’s clinch game, often overlooked, is another weapon in his arsenal—his ability to land sharp elbows and knees during breaks can disrupt an opponent’s rhythm and lead to openings.

Du Plessis, however, is no ordinary challenger. Known for his relentless pressure, the South African will likely look to take the fight to the ground where he can use his judo and wrestling background to control the pace. While Adesanya has improved his defensive grappling over the years, du Plessis’ ground game, combined with his knack for submissions, could pose significant problems if he manages to bring the fight to the mat.

The key for du Plessis will be to close the distance effectively without taking too much damage from Adesanya’s strikes. If he can successfully implement his grappling strategy, this fight could shift in his favor. However, Adesanya’s experience and ability to maintain composure under pressure might allow him to stifle du Plessis’ advances and keep the fight in his wheelhouse—on the feet.

Co-Main Event: A Flyweight Showdown
The co-main event is another must-watch as former flyweight title contender Steve Erceg faces off against former interim title challenger Kai Kara-France. Both fighters are known for their explosive fighting styles, and this bout has the potential to be the most action-packed fight on the card. Kara-France, a teammate of Adesanya, will look to put on a show and possibly secure another shot at the flyweight title with a victory.

This matchup is a classic clash of styles—Adesanya’s striking against du Plessis’ grappling. If Adesanya can keep the fight standing, he has the tools to out strike du Plessis and regain his title. However, if du Plessis can bring the fight to the ground, we could see the beginning of a new era in the middleweight division: The du Plessis era.

Prediction: Dricus du Plessis by decision

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