R. Whittaker (left) faces I. Adesanya (right) for UFC 243, in October. Photo: Montagem SL / MMA Press
The linear champion, Robert whittaker, and interim, Israel adesanya, should meet on October 6th, at UFC 243, in Melbourne (Australia). The information was released by the website 'Combate'. If made official by Ultimate, the clash will represent a duel to unify the company's middleweight title (up to 83,9kg).
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The middleweight division, which has been increasingly known for the high level of athletes at the top of the category, is close to having its absolute champion defined. President Dana White, in an interview months ago, had already confirmed his desire for the card to be taken to Australia, as both representatives have roots in the country.
The initial idea was for the duel to take place in Sydney, the most populous city in the country. However, on the same date, the venue will host the final of the national Rugby tournament, a sport very recognized in Australia. It was then up to Ultimate's management to change the show to Melbourne, another large Australian city.
If confirmed, the fight will be one of the most anticipated of the year, as it features two high-level athletes, as well as a title unification.
Robert, who is recovering from an injury that took him out of the title fight against Kelvin Gastelum at UFC 234, which would mark the main fight of the event, which took place in February. The New Zealander hasn't fought in over a year, when he defeated Yoel romero at UFC 225 in which he would defend his belt for the first time. However, the Cuban did not make the weight limit for the category and the fight was not valid for the title.
If Robert and Israel fulfill their commitment to the scale, this will officially be the first time that Whittaker will act as lineal champion of the category.
Adesanya, unlike his rival, remained active during 2018 and 2019. Last year, the Nigerian played an impressive five times. This year, the athlete fought a bloody fight that excited the MMA public when he faced and defeated Kelvin Gastelum in the match valid for the interim middleweight belt, UFC 236, in April. At the time, Israel was declared the winner by unanimous decision of the judges and won the right to face Robert.
Whittaker, currently 28 years old, has 24 fights and 20 victories in his professional record. His last defeat occurred in 2014, when he was surprised by the American Stephen Thompson at UFC 170.
Adesanya, 29, on the other hand, has an untouchable record to date. The athlete has already performed on 17 occasions and has never suffered a defeat.
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