Wasi Adeshina Uses Control And Wrestling In Grappling-Filled Battle To Earn PFL Africa Finals Spot

Though primarily a kickboxer, Wasi Adeshina considers himself an all-around fighter. The Nigerian native has won four straight and eight of his last nine. He was victorious in his opening round bout in August, defeating Jean-Jacques Lubaya.

Dwight Joseph is perhaps one of the most successful fighters in PFL Africa right now, having lost just once since 2016. A Team Alpha Male product, Joseph has gone 13-1 and picked up a pair of regional titles in that timespan. Joseph enters this fight off a highlight knockout of Wilker Nsamo in the opening round of the tournament.

Who will go on to face Alain Majorique for the inaugural PFL Africa Featherweight Title?

Round 1

The two feint to start. Joseph comes forward, but Adeshina quickly takes him down. Adeshina with strong pressure early, keeping Joseph down on his back. Adeshina lands a couple of left hands. Adeshina lands to the body. Joseph tries to use a single-leg to get back up. Adeshina tries to transition, but Joseph works his way back to his feet. Joseph landing with the leg kick now. Adeshina scores another takedown in fast fashion.

Adeshina is landing punches to the sides from top position. Adeshina is working in half guard, landing several punches upstairs. Adeshina uses the split position as he looks for a potential D’Arce choke. Joseph transitions to work his way back up. Joseph with a double jab. Adeshina slips. Low kick by Adeshina. Joseph tries to get inside with a left hand. Joseph with a spinning backfist attempt, but Adeshina avoids it and presses Joseph into the fence from the back before the bell.

Round 2

Adeshina on the back foot early as he feints. Joseph avoids some pressure and lands a low kick. Joseph narrowly misses an uppercut. We got a clinch, and Joseph is able to get the takedown now. The two battle for positioning and control against the fence. Now back to the center of the SmartCage with three minutes left. The two read each other before Joseph lands a low kick. Adeshina charges, but Joseph dodges.

The two still standoff. A front kick and a low kick by Joseph. Body shot by Joseph. Right hand by Joseph. Right hands from Adeshina now. Joseph shoots in and searches for the takedown. Adeshina is pressed on the fence but defends, attacking a kimura grip. They go to the ground and Adeshina is looking for a kimura attack. Adeshina lands to the body. Adeshina lands right hands to the ribs. Joseph gets to his feet, but Adeshina still has a hold on him and lands a knee. Joseph separates but gets hit with a left.

Round 3

Big front kick by Joseph in the opening seconds. Forward pressure by Adeshina, but Joseph lands a combination. Joseph with a single-leg attack. Adeshina with another kimura attack. Joseph turns as he continues to press Adeshina against the fence. Adeshina landing body punches. The referee calls for more activity to use the position. The referee stands them up. Low kick by Joseph. Adeshina with another clinch, driving Joseph against the SmartCage again. Adeshina turns him and scores another takedown.

Joseph is now sitting up against the fence. Adeshina landing shots to the body. Adeshina gets his hips up above him and is trying to get to the back of Joseph. Joseph gets to his feet, but Adeshina continues to pressure and does a mat return. Joseph sprawls, however, and he’s in control now, landing knees before the separation. Right hand by Adeshina. Both men score. Body kick by Joseph. Adeshina has Joseph against the SmartCage again, landing a couple of knees to the left side. Adeshina landing to the legs.

OFFICIAL RESULT

Wasi Adeshina def. Dwight Joseph via unanimous decision (30-27 x3) in a Featherweight Semifinals Bout.