The grudge match between Du Plessis and Adesanya headlines UFC’s return to Australia
• 2 min read
UFC is back on PPV this weekend with a main event boasting a legitimate rivalry and general dislike. Middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis heads into enemy territory to face off against Israel Adesanya in Perth, Australia as the pair headlines UFC 305.
Du Plessis quickly rose through the ranks to earn his title shot in 2023. The South African won six in a row, including a TKO of former champion Robert Whittaker, to get the opportunity to fight for the title. That was supposed to come against Israel Adesanya, who held the championship at the time of the Whittaker win, entered the Octagon for a tense faceoff with du Plessis. Unfortunately, “DDP” was unable to make a short turnaround and face Adesanya, which led to an Adesanya vs. Sean Strickland matchup where the Nigerian native was shockingly upset. Now, the two look to settle the score.
“He was very fired up after that faceup,” du Plessis told CBS Sports. “The reason he reacted the way he did and behaved like an absolute clown when we faced off in the Octagon after the Whittaker fight was because he watched me fight Whittaker and beat him better than he did.”
The undercard features some interesting matchups with many stars from the region. A battle of Australia vs. New Zealand is set for the co-main event when Steve Erceg takes on Kai-Kara France at flyweight. Erceg came up short in a title opportunity earlier this year — a title shot many were surprised to see him receive. Kara-France, meanwhile, could end a two-fight losing skid after a also coming up short in an interim title shot in 2023. Plus, rising lightweight contender Mateusz Gamrot is set for a tough challenge against veteran Dan Hooker. And more fireworks are expected earlier in the card when heavyweights Jairzinho Rozenstruik and Tai Tuivasa throw down.
Below is the complete fight card for UFC 305 along with the latest odds. Check back all week long for the latest news, features and other content around this massive event.
UFC 305 fight card, odds, results
- Israel Adesanya -120 vs. Dricus du Plessis (c) +100, middleweight title
- Steve Erceg -160 vs. Kai Kara-France +135, flyweights
- Dan Hooker def. Mateusz Gamrot via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
- Jairzinho Rozenstruik def. Tai Tuivasa via split decision (29-28, 27-30, 30-27)
- Carlos Prates def. Li Jingliang via second-round knockout (punch)
- Valter Walker def. Junior Tafa via first-round submission (heel hook)
- Ricardo Ramos def. Josh Culibao via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
- Casey O’Neill def. Luana Santos via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)
- Jack Jenkins def. Herbert Burns via third-round TKO (calf kicks)
- Tom Nolan def. Alex Reyes via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
- Song Kenan def. Ricky Glenn via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-26)
- Jesus Aguilar def. Stewart Nicoll via first-round submission (guillotine choke)
UFC 305 info
- Date: Aug. 17
- Location: RAC Arena — Perth, Australia
- Start time: 10 p.m. ET (Main card)
- How to watch: ESPN+ PPV
UFC 305 countdown
- Staff predictions and expert picks for the main card
- Brookhouse: Best bets to consider on the main card
- Du Plessis claims Adesanya’s anger stems from how bad he beat Whittaker
- Mahjouri: Undercard fights worth paying attention to this weekend
- Campbell: Biggest storylines to watch in Perth
Who wins UFC 305: du Plessis vs. Adesanya, and how exactly does each fight end? Visit SportsLine now to get detailed picks on UFC Fight Night, all from the MMA expert who profited more than $1,200 on UFC main-card picks, and find out.
