The long-awaited rematch between Israel adesanya e Robert whittaker for the Ultimate middleweight title (up to 83,9kg.) should only happen in 2022, but it is already stirring the spirits of MMA personalities. And, in an exclusive interview with the SUPER FIGHTS on YouTube, Ronaldo Jacare analyzed the confrontation between the athletes and gave his opinion.
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Now retired, Jacaré stated that Whittaker is the favorite over Adesanya, despite being champion. According to him, the New Zealander had particular problems in the first duel and, after overcoming them, he could regain his title.
“I think he (Adesanya) is not a favorite against Whittaker, no. When they went to fight (for the first time), I gave an interview and I said that Adesanya would knock him out. There were numerous problems with Whittaker the first time and it was clear that he wouldn't be 100% in the fight. And that's what happened, as he was knocked out. Now, I think Whittaker is the favorite. What's gone is gone. But right now, I believe Whittaker will win. It's very tough and a first-class 'thick shell'”, said Jacaré.
In 2017, the Brazilian faced Whittaker and ended up defeated by knockout in the second round. At the time, Ronaldo was close to competing for the title and suffered a kick to the head, as well as a combination of punches in the final result. He actually never got to fight for the Ultimate belt.
Whittaker and Adesanya fought in 2019 at UFC 243, in Melbourne (Australia) with the Nigerian triumphing, by knockout in the second round. Since then, the Australian has won three consecutive victories, two in 2020, against Jared Cannonier e Darren till, and one in 2021 against Kelvin Gastelum. With these triumphs, he once again became the main challenger for the title.
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