UFC 305 headliner Dricus Du Plessis achieved his title ambitions on mixed martial arts’ biggest stage this past January.
The middleweight champion will return in the main event of this weekend’s pay-per-view card at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia, where he’s tasked with defending his belt in a grudge match against Israel Adesanya.
The South African's first chance to extend his reign comes seven months on from his crowning at UFC 297 in Toronto, Canada. He headlined the promotion's first PPV of 2024 in competition for the 185-pound gold, which was then held by Sean Strickland.
"Stillknocks" brought the American's divisional rule to a quick end, falling on the right side of a split decision after five rounds of competitive action to rip the title from Strickland's grasp in his very first defense.
Ahead of Saturday’s event, the promotion has released the full Du Plessis vs. Strickland fight from UFC 297 on its official YouTube channel.
Du Plessis will now look to ensure he achieves a feat that Strickland failed to this year by recording a successful defense. To do so, he must stall Adesanya's push for a historic three-time title crowning.
The Nigerian-New Zealander will be making his return after losing the belt to Strickland close to a year ago. To regain it, Adesanya has his South African rival's UFC 0 in his sights.