South African, Dricus du Plessis on Sunday, defended his UFC middleweight title by defeating Nigerian, Israel Adesanya.
Gatekeepers News reports that Adesanya lost by submission in the fourth round as Du Plessis secured victory with a rear-naked choke.
Recall that Adesanya, a former two-time champion lost the belt to Sean Strickland last year September.
At the beginning of the fight, Adesanya landed sharp counters and cut Du Plessis on the forehead.
The South African unleashed a powerful left-handed punch late in the first round and his momentum continued in the next when he landed a big takedown and had control on Adesanya’s back.
He, however, could not lock in a submission as Adesanya worked his way back into the fight with grappling.
In the fourth round, Du Plessis hit Adesanya with some powerful hooks and jabs, followed by a decisive takedown.
Du Plessis locked the Nigerian into the choke, and he had no choice but to submit.
