Carlos Prates vs. Li Jingliang
One of the most talked-about moments of the night was Carlos Prates’ knockout victory over Li Jingliang in the second round. Prates, who is quickly making a name for himself in the welterweight division, delivered a perfectly timed left hook that sent Li crashing to the canvas. The MMA community erupted with reactions to this shocking finish.
Former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman tweeted, “Damn Prates, sheesh,” while Michael Chandler praised Prates’ composure, stating, “Prates’ ability to stay composed and walk him down looking for the KO was something to behold.” Meanwhile, Henry Cejudo referred to Prates as a “sniper” for his precision in the octagon, and Ben Fowlkes described the knockout as an “off switch KO.”
The victory is a significant milestone for Carlos Prates, who became the first man to finish Li Jingliang with strikes. This performance solidifies Prates as a rising star in the UFC’s welterweight division.
Tai Tuivasa vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik
The heavyweight bout between Tai Tuivasa and Jairzinho Rozenstruik ended in a split decision win for Rozenstruik, but not without controversy. The judges’ scorecards left many fans and fighters baffled, especially with one judge scoring the fight 30-27 in favor of Tuivasa, a decision widely criticized by the MMA community.
Jared Gordon voiced his frustration, stating, “The judges are allowed to just do whatever they want, I guess.” Many others, including Belal Muhammad and Marcel Dorf, questioned the legitimacy of the scoring, with some calling for the judge to be drug-tested.
In an unprecedented move, the judge who scored the fight 30-27 for Tuivasa was removed from the remainder of the card. This decision added another layer of controversy to an already heated debate about the state of judging in MMA.
Dan Hooker vs. Mateusz Gamrot
Dan Hooker defeated Mateusz Gamrot by split decision in a closely contested lightweight bout. The fight was filled with back-and-forth action, with both fighters showcasing their skills and resilience.
Michael Chandler, a fellow lightweight contender, remarked, “Hard to hit a running and diving target,” while other fighters like Amir Albazi and Dylan Danis praised the bout for its intensity. Joe Rogan also shared his thoughts, emphasizing that while Gamrot had his moments, Hooker’s strikes were more significant and caused more damage.
This win is a significant comeback for Hooker, who was considered an underdog heading into the fight. It also raises questions about Gamrot’s standing in the division, as he was ranked higher than Hooker before the bout.
Kai Kara-France vs. Steve Ege
In one of the night’s most spectacular finishes, Kai Kara-France knocked out Steve Ege in the first round with a powerful overhand left. This victory marked Kara-France’s return to form, and he became the first fighter to finish Ege.
Aljamain Sterling reacted to the knockout with a simple “Sheesh,” while Henry Cejudo highlighted Kara-France’s power. Aaron Bronsteter praised Kara-France for his precision and understanding of range, which were evident in his dominant performance.
This win puts Kara-France back in the spotlight as a contender in the flyweight division, and it could potentially set him up for a future title shot.
Drikus Du Plessis vs. Israel Adesanya
The main event featured a shocking upset as Drikus Du Plessis defeated Israel Adesanya by submission in the fourth round. The victory sent shockwaves through the MMA world, with many fans and fighters reacting to the unexpected outcome.
Henry Cejudo congratulated Du Plessis, saying, “DDP has claimed the throne,” while Aljamain Sterling noted, “It almost looked like a mental lapse in that final 45 seconds.” Du Plessis’ win against Adesanya, a former champion, marks a significant milestone in his career and positions him as a new force to be reckoned with in the middleweight division.
Controversies and Talking Points
UFC 305 was not without its fair share of controversies. The removal of a judge from the Tuivasa vs. Rozenstruik fight brought renewed attention to the ongoing issue of judging in MMA. Fans and fighters alike continue to call for improvements in judging standards and accountability to ensure fair outcomes in the sport.
Additionally, the upset victories by fighters like Carlos Prates and Drikus Du Plessis demonstrate the unpredictable nature of MMA. The event showcased several underdogs defying the odds, highlighting the dynamic and ever-changing landscape of the UFC.
Final Thoughts
UFC 305 was an event filled with unforgettable moments, stunning upsets, and heated debates. The night showcased the best and worst of MMA — from incredible knockouts to controversial decisions. As the dust settles, the MMA community is left with plenty to discuss and anticipate for future matchups.
With fighters like Carlos Prates, Dan Hooker, and Drikus Du Plessis making waves, the future looks bright and unpredictable for the UFC. Fans can only hope that the organization continues to address issues like judging, while also delivering the high-stakes action that makes MMA so thrilling to watch.
