R. Whittaker (left) and I. Adesanya (right) faced each other for the first time in October 2019 Photo: Disclosure/UFC
859 days have passed since the first duel between Israel adesanya e Robert whittaker, for the middleweight belt (up to 83,9kg), which took place in October 2019. On the eve of the long-awaited rematch, the SUPER FIGHTS reminds the reader of the paths that the two athletes took in Ultimate, until the decisive 'stubborn' that will take place in the UFC 271 next Saturday (12).
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The challenger's path
R. Whittaker defeated D.Till in his return to the Octagon after losing to Adesanya Photo: Reproduction/Facebook @ufc
Since losing to Adesanya, Whittaker has faced three opponents and defeated them all by unanimous decision. But anyone who thinks that the New Zealander hasn't presented attributes that qualify him to challenge for the middleweight belt again is mistaken. 'The Reaper' showed a lot of consistency in his game, with his striking increasingly sharp, his takedown defense still at a high level and a mental resistance that shows, apparently, that he did not feel the loss of the title.
Just over nine months after being dethroned, Robert faced the Englishman Darren till, in Abu Dhabi (UAE) and won on points. Around 90 days after beating the Brit, Whittaker returned to Ilha da Luta, this time to brake Jared Cannonier, which had come on the back of three consecutive victories. In April 2021, the 'The Reaper' passed by Kelvin Gastelum and got his passport stamped for the long-awaited rematch against Israel adesanya.
The path of the champion
I. Adesanya beat Y.Romero in his first title defense Photo: Instagram
the way of Israel adesanya until the rematch against Robert whittaker it was a little more agitated than that of its challenger. After ranking the main rivals in his category, the Nigerian moved up a category and competed for the light heavyweight belt (up to 93kg) but was stopped by the Pole Jan Blachowicz. The rivals in the under-83,9kg division were no more and the second duel became inevitable.
Approximately six months after dethroning Whittaker. the 'Stylebender' faced the veteran Yoel romero and won on points in a duel that did not live up to the expectations of MMA fans. The Cuban fighter complained a lot about the judges' decision and ended his time in Ultimate after the fight, moving to Bellator.
The controversial confrontation with Paulo Borrachinha
I. Adesanya (left) defeated P. Borrachinha in the UFC 253. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook @ufc
Always a regular in the Ultimate Octagon, Adesanya was ready for his second title defense. On the other side of the ring was the Brazilian Paulo borrachinha, until then, also undefeated in professional MMA. In the main fight of UFC 253, the middleweight athletes made preparations surrounded by controversies and provocations between both parties.
In the octagon set up in Abu Dhabi, the Brazilian was not remotely reminiscent of the exciting athlete and knockout artist who lined up bodies until he reached the middleweight title fight. As he had nothing to do with the Brazilian athlete's problems, Adesanya did his part and knocked out Borrachinha in the second round.
After the confrontation, the big controversy: Paulo claimed that he was not 100% in the fight, as he had difficulty sleeping the day before the fight and ended up 'drinking a whole bottle of wine' in the early hours of the morning. The curious story generated countless comments and provocations from other fighters and members of the specialized press.
The second belt attempt
J. Blachowicz (left) defeated I. Adesanya (right) in UFC 259. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
After defeating the main opponents in your category, Israel adesanya tried to match Daniel Cormier, Conor McGregor and others and went in search of the second simultaneous belt. At the UFC 259, which took place in March 2021, the Nigerian became a challenger against the division champion Jan Blachowicz.
In the duel, the Nigerian barely scared Blachowicz. Facing a heavier opponent and with a good grappling fight, Adesanya suffered from the champion's wrestling and was completely dominated for 25 minutes. Israel's dream of becoming a double champion was postponed for some time.
Marvin Vettori: The last hurdle before the rematch
Adesanya's third title defense was in a much less anticipated rematch. Before Marvin vettori, in June 2021, the Nigerian was practically not threatened. The Italian tried, but he didn't even come close to threatening the reign of the 'Stylebender', who won by unanimous decision from the judges.
Just over two years after their first duel, Adesanya and Whittaker are ready for a reckoning. The two athletes will take part in the main fight of the UFC 271, which takes place next Saturday (12). The card will be held at the Toyota Center, in Houston, Texas (USA).
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