Australia has long been a breeding ground for top MMA talent and UFC 305 will see several Australians attempt to make their mark on the world stage.
Australian fans won’t want to miss this event, which will be broadcast live on Main Event via Kayo.
Early heats are set to begin at 8:30am AEST, followed by the prelims at 10am and the main event at 12pm. The main event, featuring du Plessis and Adesanya, is expected to begin just after 2pm AEST.
Australian fans will be glued to their screens not only for the main event but also to cheer on their local heroes as they enter the octagon, including:
Tai Tuivasa
Australian cult icon Tai Tuivasa will provide plenty of fireworks on the UFC 305 card
One of the biggest names on the card, Tuivasa is known for his powerful, striking and iconic post-fight shoeys and will be taking on the dangerous Jairzinho Rozenstruik.
This heavyweight clash promises to be a fireworks showdown as Tuivasa hopes to bounce back from recent setbacks and reignite his title ambitions.
With a passionate home crowd behind him, Tuivasa will be looking to secure a knockout victory and cement his place among the division’s elite.
Dan Hooker
Technically he may be a Kiwi, but Australian fight fans will adopt Dan Hooker for the day
A fan favorite from New Zealand who has made Australia his second home will also be in action, taking on Mateusz Gamrot in what is expected to be a fast-paced lightweight contest.
Hooker’s resilience and determination have earned him a fan base and this fight is crucial in his return to the rankings after a number of challenging bouts.
Junior Tafa
Junior Tafa will be making only his third appearance in the UFC and is hoping to make a move up
Another heavyweight, will be making his third appearance in the UFC. Tafa has shown promise with his striking skills, and he will look to put on a show against Valter Walker.
A win here could propel Tafa into bigger fights as he continues to develop his career in the UFC.
Casey O’Neill
Casey O’Neill is another emerging talent looking to make the most of home advantage
A rising star in the women’s flyweight division takes on Luana Santos.
O’Neill’s aggressive style and versatile game make her one to watch, and this fight could be a stepping stone to a title fight in the near future.
Jack Jenkins
Jack Jenkins will have to show at UFC 305 that he has the qualities to become an all-round fighter
The Australian will be representing the featherweight division and will be taking on Herbert Burns. Jenkins has impressed with his grappling and ground control, and this fight is a chance for him to showcase his skills against a tough opponent.
Dricus du Plessis vs Israel Adesanya
Dricus du Plessis vs Israel Adesanya is seen as the battle for the title of King of Africa
However, the focus of UFC 305 will primarily be on the middleweight title fight between champion du Plessis and former champion Adesanya.
This battle is more than just a title fight; it is a clash of pride, national identity and personal rivalry.
Du Plessis comes into this fight with a “win or die trying” mentality. The South African champion is defending his title for the first time and he is determined to prove that his claim as the “first true African champion” is more than just words.
Du Plessis is open about his African heritage, which has led to a bitter rivalry with Adesanya, who was born in Nigeria and raised in New Zealand.
The champion’s comments have added a personal touch to this match, making it one of the most anticipated middleweight fights in recent history.
For Israel Adesanya, UFC 305 is a chance to reclaim the middleweight throne and etch his name into the history books as a three-time champion. After losing his title to Sean Strickland last year, Adesanya has taken some time off to recover and refine his skills.
He returns to the octagon with renewed vigor and claims to be stronger, faster and smarter than ever before. Adesanya’s striking prowess and tactical acumen make him a formidable opponent and he will undoubtedly have the support of the crowd at the RAC Arena.
This fight is more than just a championship fight; it is a battle of wills between two fighters who represent their nation with pride. Adesanya’s finesse and du Plessis’ guts will collide in what could be a defining moment for both fighters’ careers.