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Results: Dricus Du Plessis defeats Derek Brunson via second-round TKO at the 4:59 mark. Plessis was a -230 favorite to win and +120 to win by knockout.
Du Plessis forces Brunson's corner to throw the towel at the end of the round. #UFC285 pic.twitter.com/PKoRBuLpaU
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) March 5, 2023
UFC 285 features a middleweight showdown between #5 Derek Brunson and #10 Dricus Du Plessis at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. This fight will take place on the preliminary card which will stream on ESPN+ PPV starting at 8 p.m. ET.
Brunson (23-8) is back in the octagon after his five fight win-streak was snapped in a KO loss to Jared Cannonier in February 2022. He has defeated the likes of Kevin Holland, Darren Till, and Edmen Shahbazyan but has fallen to the top contenders. He’ll look to get back on track.
Plesiss (18-2) has earned his top 10 ranking in the middleweight division and has been on the most quiet six fight win-streak of late. Last year he secured impressive wins over Darren Till and Brad Taveras.
Plessis is favored to win in this bout with -230 odds at DraftKings Sportsbook. Brunson checks in as a +195 underdog.
We’ll be providing live updates throughout the fight with round-by-round scoring until a winner is determined.
Derek Brunson vs. Dricus Du Plessis round-by-round results
Round 1: Brunson 10-9
Wow what a start Brunson gets Du Plessis on the canvas early and he’s in full control. Brunson grappling and showing flexibility. For the first time, we have both fighters attempting double leg-locks! Each competitor trying to bend each others ankle and this has turned crazy! Brunson has been incredible, showing different grapples and flustering Du Plessis. Back on their feet and what a strike from Brunson, Du Plessis is hurt, what a round! Brunson in control.
Round 2: Du Plessis TKO
This one has not touched the mat and Du Plessis has landed his best strikes of the match. A subtle left hand has Brunson weak and he’s staggering around the octagon. Du Plessis lands another shot and Brunson struggling to stay on steady ground here. Nice overhand right lands on the face of Brunson, complete turnaround from round 1. Brunson stings back with a left hand! Now Du Plessis strikes back with a left! Both men are gassed. Down goes Brunson, 17 seconds remaining, and Brunson is exhausted. Huge left hands from Du Plessis and the towel has been thrown. Du Plessis with a devastating left hand and this one is over.