Nigerian-born UFC fighter Israel Adesanya was unable to reclaim the middleweight title after being defeated by South Africa’s Dricus Du Plessis in the main event of UFC 305.

Adesanya, a former two-time middleweight champion, was forced to tap out in the fourth round after being choked by Du Plessis.

South Africa’s Dricus Du Plessis reacts after his submission victory against Israel Adesanya. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)

This is the first time the Nigerian has suffered back-to-back losses in the UFC, following his upset defeat to Sean Strickland in September 2022.

Du Plessis, who took the title from Strickland in January, successfully defended his championship, denying the former Champion a third time title.