R. Whittaker is on a three-fight winning streak in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
It is not yet known when or against whom Israel adesanya will defend his middleweight belt (up to 83,9 kg.), but Robert whittaker it's a possibility. Defeated by the Nigerian in 2019, in the setback that resulted in the loss of the title, the Australian welcomes the rematch and took advantage of 'Izzy', at the UFC 263, to provoke the rival. The attack, however, did not go unanswered.
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“Watching (Adesanya’s) fight against (Marvin) Vettori, you can see that he (Israel) is not untouchable. This reinforces the fact that he is human. I really thought his performance was average. Not that it was bad, but he didn't do anything more than what he needed to do. He didn't have anything flashy. (…) This does not put you in the kingdom of the Gods. He is not a God. He's a very good fighter, for sure, but he's not as good as he thinks,” Whittaker stated to 'The Daily Telegraph'.
Robert's Executioner UFC 243, Adesanya did not leave Whittaker's provocation unanswered. Ironizing the former champion's statement, the Nigerian was direct in retaliating against the attack.
“If I’m not as good as I think I am, what does that make you?” replied the current leader of the group.
Considered two of the best middleweight representatives in recent UFC history, Whittaker and Adesanya shared the octagon in October 2019. On that occasion, Israel overcame his opponent and took the category throne with a devastating knockout in the second round.
Since becoming division champion, Adesanya has completed three title defenses. Robert, in turn, recovered from the defeat and accumulated three positive results in a row. The athlete, today, is number one in the rankings and a strong candidate to be the next challenger for the belt.
The rivalry between Adesanya and Whittaker appears to be heating back up 🔥 pic.twitter.com/eQCLE1Lfph
- ESPN MMA (@espnmma) June 21, 2021
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