UFC 305, held in Perth, Australia, will be remembered for its electrifying fights and an unprecedented controversy involving the judging of a key bout. The event saw Dricus du Plessis claim the middleweight championship in a thrilling contest against Israel Adesanya, while a contentious decision in the heavyweight clash between Jairzinho Rozenstruik and Tai Tuivasa led to the removal of a judge.

Du Plessis’ Championship Victory

In the main event, Dricus du Plessis showcased his grappling prowess and tactical acumen to defeat Israel Adesanya by submission. The bout, which captivated fans with its intensity and high stakes, culminated in a fourth-round choke that forced Adesanya to tap out. Du Plessis’ victory not only earned him the middleweight title but also solidified his reputation as a formidable force in the UFC.

Adesanya, known for his striking and championship pedigree, struggled to counter du Plessis’ ground game. The South African fighter’s strategic approach and relentless pressure proved too much for Adesanya, who was seeking to reclaim his title. Du Plessis’ win marks a significant milestone in his career, positioning him as a top contender in the middleweight division.

Controversial Judge Removal

The night’s excitement was marred by a controversial decision in the heavyweight bout between Jairzinho Rozenstruik and Tai Tuivasa. The fight, anticipated for its potential fireworks, did not disappoint in terms of action but ended in controversy when the judges’ scorecards were revealed. While two judges scored the fight in favor of Rozenstruik, one judge’s scorecard significantly favored Tuivasa, leading to widespread outrage.

The decision prompted immediate action from the UFC and the athletic commission overseeing the event. The judge responsible for the contentious scorecard was removed from the event, a rare and significant move aimed at maintaining the integrity of the sport. This incident has reignited discussions about the consistency and accuracy of MMA judging, a long-standing issue within the sport.

Reactions from the MMA Community

The removal of the judge has elicited mixed reactions. Many fans and analysts praised the UFC and the commission for their swift response, viewing it as a necessary step to uphold the sport’s fairness. Fighters and commentators, however, expressed concerns about the potential pressures on judges and the broader implications for the sport’s governance.

Other Highlights from UFC 305

• Steve Erceg vs. Kai Kara-France: Steve Erceg delivered a standout performance, defeating Kai Kara-France in a flyweight bout. Erceg’s striking and overall control earned him a decisive victory and positioned him as a rising star in the division.

UFC 305 Results and Bonuses

Main Card Results

• Dricus du Plessis def. Israel Adesanya via submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:38 of Round 4 – Middleweight Championship
• Kai Kara-France def. Steve Erceg via TKO (punches) at 4:04 of Round 1 – Flyweight Bout
• Dan Hooker def. Mateusz Gamrot via split decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29) – Lightweight Bout
• Jairzinho Rozenstruik def. Tai Tuivasa via split decision (30-27, 29-28, 27-30) – Heavyweight Bout
• Carlos Prates def. Li Jingliang via KO (left hook) at 4:02 of Round 2 – Welterweight Bout
• Valter Walker def. Junior Tafa via technical submission (ankle lock) at 4:56 of Round 1 – Heavyweight Bout

Preliminary Card Results

• Ricardo Ramos def. Josh Culibao via split decision – Featherweight Bout
• Casey O’Neill def. Luana Santos via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26) – Women’s Flyweight Bout
• Jack Jenkins def. Herbert Burns via TKO (strikes) at 0:48 of Round 3 – Featherweight Bout
• Tom Nolan def. Alex Reyes via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28) – Lightweight Bout
• Song Kenan def. Ricky Glenn via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-26, 29-28) – Welterweight Bout
• Jesus Aguilar def. Stewart Nicoll via submission (guillotine choke) at 2:39 of Round 1 – Bantamweight Bout

Bonuses

• Fight of the Night: Dricus du Plessis vs. Israel Adesanya
• Performance of the Night: Dricus du Plessis, Kai Kara-France, Carlos Prates, Jesus Aguilar

Moving Forward

The events of UFC 305 highlight both the thrilling nature of MMA and the ongoing challenges in ensuring fair competition. As the UFC continues to grow, maintaining the integrity of its judging process remains crucial. The swift action taken in Perth sets a precedent for how such controversies may be handled in the future, aiming to preserve the sport’s reputation and fairness.