Adesanya and Gastelum received Fight of the Night bonuses UFC 236. Photo: Reproduction / Facebook UFC
One of the most memorable clashes in MMA history was immortalized this Saturday (8). During the broadcast of the UFC 312, held at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, the organization announced the induction of the legendary fight between Israel adesanya e Kelvin Gastelum in the UFC Hall of Fame. The duel was valid for the interim middleweight belt (up to 83,9 kg) in UFC 236, in April 2019.
The five-round battle, held in Atlanta, USA, was a true test of endurance and technique. Adesanya, still a rising prospect, faced Gastelum, former champion of The Ultimate Fighter, in a fight that alternated between moments of dominance and dramatic comebacks.
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The Nigerian won by unanimous decision (48-46) after a spectacular fifth round, where he dropped Gastelum three times, almost ending the fight by knockout. Dana White, president of the UFC, was full of praise.
“This was one of the greatest fights I have ever seen in my life. An absolute war for the interim belt,” said the president at the time.
For Adesanya, the victory was the springboard to becoming one of the biggest names in the middleweight division. He unified the belt by defeating Robert whittaker and defended the title five times, in addition to starring in a historic rivalry with Alex Poatán.
Although it has faced ups and downs, Kelvin Gastelum He is recognized for his resilience in the octagon. The Mexican, however, never again had a chance to fight for the organization's belt.
Adesanya was present at UFC 312
The choice of UFC 312 to reveal the tribute was not random. The event, led by the rematch between Dricus Du Plessis e Sean Strickland, took place in Australia, the country Adesanya adopted as his home after emigrating from Nigeria as a child. The ceremony also highlighted the UFC's connection to Oceania, a region that has hosted 19 events since 2010.
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