I. Adesanya wins absolute middleweight belt in UFC 243 . Photo: Reproduction / Facebook @ufc
He spoke and fulfilled. Israel adesanya showed, this Saturday (5), that he is a true mixed martial arts phenomenon. In the main fight of UFC 243, the Nigerian based in New Zealand opened his toolbox and showed all his talent for hitting Robert whittaker, and unify the Ultimate middleweight belt. After two rounds of tense battle, Israel managed a beautiful knockout of his rival and secured the absolute belt in the category. In the end, the fighter took the opportunity to provoke the Brazilian Paulo borrachinha.
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“Do you know who is next? I'm going to get an inflated animal. Paulo borrachinha, I'll end with you. He's talking a lot of nonsense. Believe me, I’m going to finish this guy”, said the champion.
With the victory, in addition to the belt, Adesanya managed to increase his number of undefeated fights. Since debuting in the sport in 2012, the fighter has competed in 18 fights, never knowing the taste of defeat. On the other hand, after the setback, Whittaker suffered his fifth career setback.
The fight
Before climbing into the Octagon, Israel adesanya gave his private show. Exuding confidence, the fighter showed that he is a unique athlete upon entering the octagon. With a trio of dancers, they performed a version of HAKA, a traditional war dance from New Zealand tribes. After the presentation, the athlete walked to the fight site dancing and apparently calm.
Whittaker started the fight by risking a low kick to Adesanya's shin. The Nigerian tried to remain calm in the face of the initial pressure imposed by the Australian. As expected, Israel was waiting for Robert's attacks to be able to strike back. Whittaker showed a lot of momentum in his attempt to knock out his rival, but the Nigerian was attentive in his defenses. With a lot of movement, Adesanya tried to confuse the champion. During the middle of the round, Whittaker managed to land a good right cross, but Israel did not land the blow. As time passed, the fight took longer and longer, with the risk of being ended after a well-aimed blow from one of the combatants. In the final minute, the fighters started to take risks, but the blows stopped in the guard. In the second end, Israel landed a straight shot, which took the champion to the ground, but there was no more time.
With a shaken appearance, Robert returned to the fight trying to reverse the loss. The Nigerian attacked Israel, connecting good punches and cornering the interim champion. Realizing the moment of disadvantage, Adesanya saved his strikes and just waited for his opponent to carry out his attacks. After two minutes, Whittaker's nose was already bleeding considerably. The Nigerian began to loosen up, but still remained wary of his opponent's attacks. After three minutes, in a perfect counterattack, Adesanya connected with a perfect punch, which took Robert to the ground and the referee was left to stop the fight.
UFC 243 results
MAIN CARD
Average weight (up to 83,9kg): Israel adesanya derrotou Robert whittaker by knockout at 3m33s of R2
Light weight (up to 70,3kg.): Dan Hooker derrotou To the fifth in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-26, 30-27)
Heavy weight (up to 120,2kg): Sergey Spivak derrotou Tai tuivasa via submission 3m14s into R2
Welterweight (up to 77kg): Dhiego Lima defeated Luke Jumeau via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Heavyweight (up to 120,2kg): Yorgan DeCastro defeated justin tafa by knockout at 2m10s of R1
PRELIMINARY CARD
Welterweight (up to 77kg): Jake matthews defeated Rostem Akman via unanimous judges' decision (30-27 30-27 30-27)
Welterweight (up to 77kg): Callan Potter defeated Maki Pitolo in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-28 29-28 29-28)
Light weight (up to 70,3kg.): Brad Riddell derrotou Jamie Mullarkey in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-27, 30-26, 30-26)
Featherweight (up to 65,7kg): Megan anderson defeated Zarah Fairn dos Santos via submission at 3:57 of R1
Flyweight (up to 56,7kg): Ji Yeon Kim defeated Nadia Kassem by knockout at 4:59 of R2
Bantam weight (up to 62,7kg): Khalid Taha derrotou Bruno Bulldoguinho by submission 3m from R3
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