UFC 305: Du Plessis vs. Adesanya

Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, August 16th 2025 at 10:57 GMT by MMA Junkie
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UFC 305 Predictions: Du Plessis vs. Adesanya and Full Card Breakdown

As the UFC heads to Perth, Australia, for UFC 305, the spotlight shines brightly on the middleweight title clash between champion Dricus du Plessis and former king Israel Adesanya. This event promises high-stakes action across the board, with a mix of rising stars, veterans, and potential title implications in every bout. Our expert predictions dive deep into each matchup, analyzing fighters' styles, recent performances, and key factors that could decide the outcomes. From the main event's grudge match to the undercard gems, here's a comprehensive breakdown of what to expect.

Starting with the headliner: Dricus du Plessis defends his middleweight belt against Israel Adesanya in what has become one of the most heated rivalries in recent UFC history. Du Plessis, the South African powerhouse, captured the title in a stunning upset over Sean Strickland at UFC 297, showcasing his relentless pressure, wrestling prowess, and knockout power. His path to the top included dominant wins over Robert Whittaker and Derek Brunson, proving he's not just a grappler but a well-rounded threat. Adesanya, the Nigerian-New Zealander known as "The Last Stylebender," is looking to reclaim the throne he held for years. After losing the belt to Strickland in a shocking defeat at UFC 293, Adesanya took time off but returns with his signature striking precision, footwork, and counter-punching. The buildup has been intense, with personal barbs flying—du Plessis questioning Adesanya's African heritage, and Adesanya firing back with promises of a highlight-reel finish.

Prediction: This fight hinges on distance management. Adesanya's striking volume and range could keep du Plessis at bay early, picking him apart with leg kicks and jabs. However, du Plessis' forward pressure and takedown ability might wear Adesanya down in later rounds. We lean toward du Plessis retaining the title via a late submission or TKO, as his grappling edge could neutralize Adesanya's stand-up game. Expect a war that goes the distance or ends dramatically in the championship rounds.

Moving to the co-main event, flyweight contenders Kai Kara-France and Steve Erceg square off in a bout that could propel the winner into title contention. Kara-France, a New Zealand native fighting in friendly territory, brings explosive power and boxing skills, highlighted by his knockout of Cody Garbrandt. He's coming off a loss to Amir Albazi but has the home crowd advantage. Erceg, the Australian up-and-comer, impressed in his short-notice title shot against Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 301, nearly pulling off the upset with crisp striking and submission threats. His length and technical prowess make him a dangerous underdog.

Prediction: Kara-France's experience and power should shine through. Look for him to close the distance and land heavy shots, securing a decision or late stoppage. Erceg might steal rounds with volume, but Kara-France edges it in a competitive scrap.

In the heavyweight division, Tai Tuivasa faces Jairzinho Rozenstruik in a classic striker vs. striker matchup. Tuivasa, the fan-favorite "Bam Bam," thrives on his shoey celebrations and devastating knockout power, but he's on a three-fight skid after losses to Ciryl Gane and others. Rozenstruik, "Bigi Boy," counters with precise, powerful strikes and has rebounded with a win over Shamil Gaziev. Both men prefer stand-up brawls, so this could end quickly.

Prediction: Tuivasa's aggression might overwhelm Rozenstruik early, but the Surinamese fighter's counter-punching could capitalize on openings. We predict Rozenstruik by KO in the second round, exploiting Tuivasa's defensive lapses.

The card also features a welterweight clash between Carlos Prates and Li Jingliang. Prates, a Brazilian newcomer, brings knockout artistry and has impressed in his UFC debut. Jingliang, "The Leech," is a veteran with heavy hands and wrestling, returning after a long layoff. This could be a sleeper hit for Fight of the Night.

Prediction: Jingliang's experience gives him the nod via decision, grinding out rounds with takedowns and ground control, though Prates' striking could make it close.

Further down, middleweights Jacob Malkoun and Joshua Culibao—wait, no, Culibao is actually in a separate featherweight bout. Let's correct: Malkoun takes on Andre Petroski in a grappling-heavy affair. Malkoun's wrestling base contrasts Petroski's submission game, promising mat work.

Prediction: Petroski submits Malkoun in the second, using his jiu-jitsu edge.

In women's flyweight action, Casey O'Neill battles Tereza Bleda. O'Neill, an Australian prospect, returns from injury with striking flair, while Bleda brings aggression but lacks polish.

Prediction: O'Neill dominates on the feet for a unanimous decision.

The prelims are stacked too. Featherweight standout Joshua Culibao faces Ricardo Ramos. Culibao's striking and cardio could outpace Ramos' grappling.

Prediction: Culibao by decision.

Heavyweight Valter Walker meets Junior Tafa in a battle of big men. Walker's size and power versus Tafa's explosiveness.

Prediction: Tafa KO in the first, capitalizing on speed.

Flyweights Stewart Nicoll vs. Jesus Aguilar: Nicoll's local support helps, but Aguilar's experience wins out via submission.

Bantamweight Herbert Burns vs. Jack Jenkins: Burns' BJJ threatens, but Jenkins' well-rounded game secures a decision.

Welterweight Song Kenan vs. Ricky Glenn: Kenan's power edges Glenn in a stand-up war, TKO victory.

Finally, featherweights Tom Nolan vs. Alex Reyes opens the night. Nolan's striking should overwhelm Reyes for an early finish.

Overall, UFC 305 shapes up as a must-watch event, blending international rivalries with emerging talent. The main event alone carries massive implications for the middleweight division— a du Plessis win solidifies his reign, while Adesanya's return to glory would reset the landscape. Factors like the Australian crowd, fighters' conditioning, and strategic adjustments will be crucial. Historically, Perth events deliver fireworks, as seen in past cards with high finish rates. Du Plessis has emphasized his all-around improvements, training with coaches to counter Adesanya's kicks, while Adesanya has focused on mental sharpness post-layoff. Undercard bouts like Kara-France vs. Erceg could steal the show, with potential for upsets that shake up rankings.

Betting odds favor Adesanya slightly in the main event, reflecting his star power, but du Plessis' momentum makes him a live dog. For fans, this card offers value in props like over/under rounds—expect the co-main to go long, while heavyweights deliver quick KOs. As always, MMA's unpredictability reigns, but based on tape study and trends, these predictions highlight the most likely paths to victory. Whether you're tuning in for the title fight or the full spectacle, UFC 305 is poised to deliver memorable moments that could define careers. (Word count: 928)

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UFC 305: Du Plessis vs. Adesanya - Main Event Preview

UFC 305 Predictions: Du Plessis vs. Adesanya and Full Card Breakdown