Israel Adesanya has vowed to continue his fighting career despite suffering a fourth-round submission defeat to Dricus du Plessis.
During the UFC 305 in Perth on Sunday, Adesanya suffered his first submission defeat ever, with du Plessis retaining his middleweight title.
The fight began with du Plessis taking an early lead, landing multiple leg kicks and high kicks, while Adesanya remained composed, countering with targeted strikes.
In the second round, du Plessis took Adesanya to the ground, threatening with a submission.
Adesanya managed to escape but found himself on the defensive for much of the round.
The third round saw Adesanya get the better of du Plessis, as he rallied with body shots that made du Plessis weak.
However, the South African champion weathered the storm, landing some powerful strikes of his own.
In the fourth round, just as Adesanya appeared to be gaining the upper hand, du Plessis stunned him with a hard shot, followed by a rear-naked choke that forced Adesanya to tap out.
After the fight, du Plessis expressed his respect for Adesanya’s strength saying, “Nobody can take him down and keep him there.”
Despite the setback, Adesanya was unfazed in his post-fight interview.
“I’m not f***ing leaving!
“I’m 35. I’m doing all the right things. I know you all motherf***ers wanna see me lose, you wanna see me down,” he added.