Israel Adesanya remains the UFC middleweight champion of the world with a win by unanimous decision over challenger, Robert Whittaker.
This was an opportunity to revenge for Whittaker after losing his belt to Adesanya in 2019 but the champion did what he had to do to continue his run at the top of the middleweight division.
The fight was a close encounter and largely unexciting from a neutral perspective which is exactly what Adesanya wanted. The champion evaded multiple takedown attempts from Whittaker and showed a much-improved takedown defence than he did in his loss to Jan Blachowicz.
Adesanya had everything to lose and nothing to gain from recklessly charging at Whittaker, risking getting caught with a sucker punch so he simply did not do that, instead letting caution lead the way.
Whittaker on the other hand needed to make things happen in this fight but a combination of his cautious approach and Israel’s elite defending made that extremely difficult.
Whittaker’s hesitation to be more aggressive was understandable, the brutal knockout in 2019 by ‘Izzy’ is still fresh in his mind and getting knocked down by the champ in the first round must have shaken his confidence.
This was most likely a last title opportunity for the Australian and he failed to take his shot, settling for a loss by decision instead of going all out for the win at the risk of getting knocked out on the counter.
One massive improvement from the first fight for Whittaker was the wrestling and grappling, he successfully had Adesanya on the mat a few times but the champ reacted quick enough on every occasion before any real damage could be done.
At the blast of the final horn to signal the end of the fight, it was obvious to everyone who the winner was…everyone but Robert Whittaker apparently.
The Australian expressed shock at the judges’ decision in his post-fight interview with Daniel Cormier. Whether he was lying or just straight-up obnoxious, Robert Whittaker must swallow his pride and admit that Israel Adesanya is the better fighter.
| Posted: at | |
TRENDING GISTS 
I'm No Longer Interested, My Spirit Has Left There - Fubara Speaks on Returning As Rivers Gov. (VID)
FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike Storms Venue of PDP Meeting With Governors Present
Panic In Abuja As Pastor Shoots Two Immigration Officers After Being Mistaken Them For Robbers
Retired Teacher, Mallam Kabiru Killed, Wife Abducted As Bandits Invade Zamfara School Quarters
Army Busts Gunrunning Syndicate in Plateau, Two Arrested With AK-47 (Photos)
Ringside Rumble? Fans Hype Possible Boxing Showdown Between Small Doctor And Portable