Middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis began his first successful title defense with a win over number 2 contender Israel Adesanya.

UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis defeated former champion Israel Adesanya via fourth-round submission to defend his title at UFC 305 in Perth, Australia.

Two consecutive right hooks knocked down the retreating Adesanya, after which Du Plessis pulled him back and applied a rear naked choke. Adesanya surrendered and ended the fight on Sunday after 3 minutes and 38 seconds in the five-minute round.

It was the first time Nigerian-New Zealander Adesanya was defeated in his professional MMA career, which stands at 24 wins and four losses. South African Du Plessis, who has won all eight fights since joining the UFC, has 22 wins and two losses.

“I always knew that if I got into trouble fighting one of the best, if not the best, striker of all time in this division, I needed that takedown,” said the 30-year-old Du Plessis after his first title defense since winning the belt in January.

“This man is the master of getting back up. No one can bring him down and keep him there.”

Du Plessis knocked Adesanya down in the second round and tried to choke him, but the challenger got back up and attacked Du Plessis with kicks and punches to the body in the third round.

“Believe me, I don’t want to be kicked by that man again,” Du Plessis said. “Izzy, if you’ll pull out tonight, thank you.”

Adesanya, who has now lost three of his last four fights, said he wants to move on.

“I just made a stupid, stupid mistake,” he said. “I’m 35, I’m doing the right thing… watch out, I’m not leaving.”