Dricus Du Plessis remains undisputed as Israel 'Stylebender' Adesanya forced into submission
South Africa's Dricus Du Plessis is the undisputed middleweight champion of the world.
The grudge match had been fueled by tensions over identity in the build-up to the event, with the bout unveiling a twist no one saw coming.
Nigerian-born Israel Adesanya, who was eyeing his repossession of the belt he lost in September, was defeated by submission in the fourth round.
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With a new judge taking to the table in the wake of a controversial scorecard handed in during Tai Tuivasa's defeat to Jairinho Rozenstruik, Adesanya looked in favour of taking home the middleweight title.
Dricus Du Plessis of South Africa fights Israel Adesanya of Nigeria in the middleweight championship fight. Getty
The former two-time champion was in control for much of the bout as Du Plessis trailed 2-1 on the scorecards ahead of round four.
But the South African fighter unleashed a series of hammering hooks and jabs before a decisive takedown saw him in position to hold 'the last Stylebender' down.
Once locked into the rear naked choke, 35-year-old Adesanya had little choice but to submit.
"He's got the choke and he's tapped out," Dominick Cruz screamed in commentary.
"Wow, wow. No judges scorecards needed."
Dricus Du Plessis of South Africa celebrates winning his fight against Israel Adesanya of Nigeria by submission. Getty
The submission cements Du Plessis' position at the top of the heavyweight division, while Adesanya is left to accept the bitter taste of his defeat.
"I came in here to die for this belt and I came in here to take a life," Du Plessis said.
"He is one of the greatest strikers ever... he is the king of getting up. I'm alive right now and that's just a bonus.
"Luckily tonight, we didn't have to do either of those things. But here I am. And still champion, baby."
Meanwhile, Adesanya, who declared he is in career-best form, vowed to continue fighting in the future.
"I already knew he would be tough and hard to put away, so it wasn't a surprise," he said.
"I felt strong... but I just made a stupid mistake on the ground.
"To my family, I will fight for you forever. I didn't do what I wanted to do tonight. I am disappointed tonight but I am proud."
