RETROSPECTIVE 2019 Part 3: Khabib's return, Adesanya at the top, 'toughest guy' title and three belts in one event

In the final stretch of 2019, Ultimate promoted true spectacles with title unifications, return of icons, new champions and even the creation of an unprecedented belt, which crowned the most 'thick-skinned' athlete. With great cards and convincing presentations, the UFC closed the current season with a flourish.

The end of the '2019 Retrospective' will encompass major presentations between September and December. To achieve this, the team at SUPER FIGHTS selected the main moments in the final stage of the year.

We will comment on the return of the lightweight champion (up to 70,3lg.), the coronation of Israel adesanya as number one of the middleweights (up to 83,9kg.), the perfect year of Jorge masvidal and the settling of accounts between the enemies Kamaru Usman e Colby covington in a duel for the welterweight title (up to 77kg.), plus a defense of Amanda nunes and a new 'king' of featherweights (up to 65,7kg.).

September: Khabib's return

The month of September was marked as one of the most important in 2019, as it represented the return of Khabib Nurmagomedov after serving a nine-month suspension as a result of the confusion caused after the duel against Conor McGregor, in October 2018.

With the title of linear champion, the Russian had to return to the octagon with the obligation to win the duel against Dustin poirier for the unification of his title to remain 'king' of his category.

In the duel, Nurmagomedov proved that he is, in fact, undisputed among the lightweights. With a dominant performance, the Russian took no notice of the North American and promoted a dominant clash against his rival.

Making use of his 'ground of excellence', Khabib claimed yet another victim and achieved victory in the third round, retaining his title and extending his unbeaten record in his career with 28 victories.

October: Israel Adesanya, a reality

With a different fighting profile and convincing victories in his career, Adesanya still raised doubts about his ability to be a champion among some MMA fans. The athlete, who had won the interim middleweight belt after a true battle against Kelvin Gastelum , in April, by UFC UFC 236, the Nigerian would now have his talent put to the test once again.

In an event held in Australia, Israel faced the category's linear champion, Robert whittaker. To win, the athlete must withstand the pressure of the opponent, who is known for his constancy and efficiency in his strikes.

With up-to-date reflections and performance that, by far, reminds us of the best years of Anderson Silva, Adesanya put on a real show. Unfazed by his opponent's technique and quality, the Nigerian put his varied repertoire of blows into practice and delivered a beautiful knockout to his rival in the second round.

It was the beginning of the 'Adesanya Era'.

November: The most 'Casca Grossa'

With two months left until the end of the year, the Ultimate management wanted to promote a fight between two confessed enemies: Kamaru Usman and the 'talker' Colby covington. Negotiations between the two, however, did not go the way the company imagined and, in order to promote a big fight in November, it selected two athletes who enjoy prestige with fans to star in the UFC 244, in New York (USA).

Those chosen were Jorge masvidal, which was coming off two big victories for the company and Nate diaz, known for the race he uses in his fights. Right away, sports fans 'bought the idea' and supported the show.

With a large number of supporters, the fight ended up taking on major proportions. The company even decided to create a symbolic title for the occasion: the most 'thick-skinned'. With the attraction confirmed, it was up to the athletes to do what was expected and exchange forces in the octagon.

In the fight, Masvidal and Diaz raised the audience with a clear fight. With hard blows, Jorge was superior to the 'Bad boy' and almost knocked his opponent out in some situations. Nate, however, showed his usual cool and was only stopped due to a deep cut on his eyebrow. After medical evaluation, the athlete was unable to return to combat.

Masvidal was then declared the winner by technical knockout and took home the belt, which was replaced by Hollywood star, 'The Rock'.

December: Three belts and one event

A historic spectacle. Ultimate wasn't joking when it scheduled the fights for the last numbered card of the year. Right away, the board offered fans three title fights in an event that featured legends of the sport.

The first champion to put the title on the line was Amanda nunes. Considered by many to be the best fighter of all time, the Bahian woman agreed to give a rematch to Germain de Randamie, whom he beat in 2013.

After a calm first round, the Brazilian ended up 'relaxing' and caused moments of tension among her fans. The Brazilian, however, showed intelligence and controlled the rest of the fight, scoring when possible and nullifying her rival's attacks.

With the new triumph, Pojucana equaled the record for defenses of Ronda Rousey and once again etched his name in the history of the sport.

The surprise of the night was the lightweight title fight. Famous for defeating the featherweight icon, José Aldo, on two occasions, Max Holloway took to the octagon in December to face Alexander Volkanovsky, last executioner of the 'People's Champion'.

As usual, Max started the contest by analyzing his opponent's strategy, but he ended up getting lost throughout the fight and took a while to take the initiative and score points against a competent opponent with enviable physical fitness.

After five rounds, the Hawaiian ended up surprised by the judges' decision, which gave the Australian victory in a unanimous decision.

the duel between Kamaru Usman e Colby covington It wouldn't even need a promotion to happen. Confessedly disaffected, the athletes almost attacked each other on a few occasions behind the scenes of some events.

Undisputed in their divisions, the fighters hit the numbers and were confirmed as protagonists of the UFC 245. With one of the biggest rivalries in MMA today, the athletes promised and delivered to the spectators a fight worthy of a title fight.

There were five rounds. A close and intense fight. At the beginning, Colby showed that, despite his controversial way of promoting his fights, he deserved to share the octagon with the champion. The American had a slight advantage over the Nigerian until, in the third round, his jaw was broken after a sharp blow from Usman.

The attack was essential for Kamaru to grow in the fight and achieve the comeback at the end of the fifth round. In the final seconds, after achieving a knockdown over the American, Usman wasted no time and scored the knockout, raising the crowd and remaining welterweight champion.