Australia has long been a breeding ground for top-tier MMA talent, and UFC 305 will see several Aussies looking to make their mark on the world stage.
Australian fans won’t want to miss this event, which will be streamed live on Main Event via Kayo.
Prelims begin at 8:30am AEST, followed by prelims at 10am and the main card at 12pm. The main event, featuring du Plessis and Adesanya, is expected to get underway just after 2pm AEST.
Australian fans will be glued to their screens, not only for the main event, but also to support 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, known for his powerful punches and iconic post-fight strikes, Tuivasa will face the dangerous Jairzinho Rozenstruik.
This heavyweight clash promises fireworks, with Tuivasa aiming to bounce back from his recent setbacks and reignite his title aspirations.
With a passionate home crowd behind him, Tuivasa will look to secure a knockout victory to cement his place among the division’s elite.
Dan Hooker
He may technically be a Kiwi, but Australian fight fans will adopt Dan Hooker for a day.
A fan favourite from New Zealand, who has made Australia his second home, will also be in action. He will face Mateusz Gamrot in what is expected to be a high-paced lightweight bout.
Hooker’s resilience and never-say-die attitude have earned him a legion of fans, and this fight is crucial to his rise up the rankings after some challenging bouts.
Youth Tafa
Junior Tafa will be making just his third appearance in the UFC and will be looking to make an impact.
Another heavyweight will be making his third appearance in the UFC. Tafa has shown promise with his striking skills and will look to put on a show against Valter Walker.
A win here could propel Tafa into bigger matchups as he continues to develop his UFC career.
Casey O’Neill
Casey O’Neill is another emerging talent who will look to make the most of home-field advantage.
A rising star in the women’s flyweight division, she will face Luana Santos.
O’Neill’s aggressive style and all-around game have made her a fight to watch, and this fight could be a stepping stone to a title shot in the near future.
Jack Jenkins
Jack Jenkins will have to prove he has what it takes to be a complete fighter at UFC 305
Representing Australia in the featherweight division, he will face Herbert Burns. Jenkins has impressed with his grappling and ground control, and this fight will be an opportunity for him to showcase his skills against a tough opponent.
Dricus du Plessis vs. Israel Adesanya
It has been announced that Dricus du Plessis versus Israel Adesanya will be the battle to be the King of Africa.
However, the focus at UFC 305 will be firmly on the middleweight title clash between champion du Plessis and former champion Adesanya.
This fight is more than just a battle for the belt; it is a collision 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 is determined to prove that his claim to be the “first real African champion” is more than just words.
Du Plessis has been open about his African heritage, sparking 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 fight, making it one of the most anticipated middleweight bouts in recent history.
For Israel Adesanya, UFC 305 represents 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 hone his skills.
He returns to the Octagon with renewed vigour and claims to be stronger, faster and smarter than ever. Adesanya’s striking prowess and tactical acumen make him a formidable opponent and he will undoubtedly have the backing of the crowd at the RAC Arena.
This fight is more than just a championship bout; it is a battle of wills between two fighters who represent their nations with pride. Adesanya’s finesse and Du Plessis’ determination will collide in what could be a defining moment for both fighters’ careers.