\n<\/p>\n
Following the fight the pair paid respect to each other, embracing and shaking hands after a long exchange of words before Adesanya raised Du Plessis’ hand in victory.<\/p>\n
“I was fighting one of, if not the greatest striker ever in this division, I needed that takedown. At this level it’s hard to keep people down and this man is the king of getting back up,” said Du Plessis.<\/p>\n
“I said I’d come in here to die for this belt and I’m alive right now and that’s just a bonus. And I said I’d come here to take a life if I had to. Luckily we didn’t have to do either of those things. Here I am, still champion, baby.”<\/p>\n
Adesanya, meanwhile, who failed in his attempt to become the first ever three-time UFC middleweight champion, said he would be back, despite successive defeats for the first time in his MMA career.<\/p>\n
“I’m disappointed in myself but at the same time I’m proud. This is the best I’ve ever felt, the best I’ve ever looked, I just fought the better man on the night and I give him respect for that,” said Adesanya.<\/p>\n
“I know you all want to see me down and want to see me lose but watch this – I’m not leaving.”<\/p>\n
Earlier on the card, Scotland-born Australian Casey O’Neill defeated Brazil’s Luana Santos by unanimous decision to end a two-fight losing streak.<\/p>\n
O’Neill, 26, celebrated by copying Australian breakdancer Rachael Gunn’s routine from the Paris Olympics. <\/a><\/p>\n Gunn – who is known as B-girl Raygun – went viral during the Games earlier this month and has said the criticism she received for her performance has been “devastating”.<\/p>\n