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The highly anticipated UFC 305 headliner is set to electrify the MMA world as Dricus Du Plessis (21-2) defends his middleweight title against two-time divisional champion Israel Adesanya (24-3). Scheduled for August 17 at RAC Arena in Perth.
The confirmation of this title match came after a series of social media hints from both fighters, culminating in UFC CEO Dana White officially announcing the bout on "The Jim Rome Show." The path to this clash has been anything but straightforward. Initially expected to occur at UFC 293 in September, and then rescheduled for UFC 300 in April, it finally found a place at UFC 305.
Du Plessis has rapidly ascended the 185-pound division. His notable victories include a significant win over Robert Whittaker. Despite being poised to challenge Adesanya last fall, an injury prevented Du Plessis from competing at UFC 293, paving the way for Sean Strickland to step in and shockingly upset Adesanya.
After recovering from his injury, Du Plessis captured the middleweight title with a controversial split-decision victory over Strickland at UFC 297 in January. Although there was hope for a swift return for UFC 300, another injury delayed Du Plessis' comeback. Meanwhile, Adesanya, ever ready to reclaim his title, awaited the opportunity.
Finally, the stars aligned, and UFC 305 was marked as the date for this monumental clash. At 34, Adesanya aims to recapture the belt, aspiring to join the legendary Randy Couture as the only fighter with three separate title reigns in a single division.
Beyond the title, the fight carries personal stakes. The rivalry intensified when Du Plessis made a controversial comment about his pride in being the first fighter who lives and trains in Africa to hold a UFC belt. This remark led to a heated staredown with Adesanya after Du Plessis' victory over Whittaker at UFC 290 in July 2023. The tension between the two fighters has been palpable ever since.
In UFC 305, fans will witness not just a battle for the middleweight title but a clash fueled by deep-seated rivalry and pride. The stakes couldn't be higher as Du Plessis and Adesanya step into the octagon to settle their scores once and for all.
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