I. Adesanya (left) retained the belt against R. Whittaker (right) in the UFC 271. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
There wasn't any left, but he took it. In a long-awaited rematch between Israel adesanya e Robert whittaker, competing for the UFC middleweight belt (up to 83,9kg), what we saw was a show of technique. In the main fight of UFC 271, held this Saturday (12), in Houston (USA), the champion did not have an easy life, but once again proved his superiority against a dangerous opponent. After 25 minutes of balanced confrontation, the Nigerian convinced the judges and won unanimously.
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With the triumph, Adesanya proved, once again, to be the most dangerous name in the 83,9kg category. In addition to defending his title for the fourth time, the Nigerian maintained his unbeaten record at middleweight.
In an attempt to regain the belt, Whittaker ended up bumping into a technical opponent. Even though he showed progress and managed to give the champion a tough fight for 25 minutes, the athlete was unable to regain his place at the absolute top of the category.
Robert's stumble interrupted a streak of three consecutive victories in the Australian's record.
The fight
The confrontation began with the athletes exchanging low kicks in the center of the octagon. The champion changed bases and tried to confuse his rival. With a smaller wingspan, Whittaker launched long-range attacks, but without force. Halfway through the round, the champion abused kicks to his opponent's base. Robert walked backwards and saved his attacks. Near the final minute, Adesanya knocked the Australian off balance with an uppercut. The challenger got up quickly and was still at a disadvantage. Unable to free himself, Whittaker went for his legs and tried to take down the Nigerian, but the Ultimate star defended himself well. The assault ended with the athletes studying each other in the center of the octagon.
In the second round, Israel took the initiative with another low kick. Robert launched a high kick, but stopped at the champion's efficient dodge. The challenger began to loosen up in his striking and the Nigerian responded immediately. After almost two minutes, Whittaker managed to shorten up and touched his opponent with a clean jab at the champion. With just over two minutes left in the round, Robert managed the desired takedown, but Israel managed to get up quickly. The Australian pressed his opponent against the bars and grew in the confrontation. Near the final minute, the Nigerian landed two high kicks on the challenger, but Robert was unfazed. With seconds left to finish the stage, Whittaker sought the clinch and the champion avoided contact.
The third round began with Whittaker launching a kick to the champion's left knee. Adesanya did not attack and risked a high kick, which went empty. The clash remained tense, with the athletes looking for the best blows. After two minutes, the fighters started to engage in frank exchanges. Adesanya tried to assert his best reach and scored with jabs and low kicks. Halfway through the round, Whittaker attempted a takedown, but Israel defended well. Almost in the final minute, Israel launched a high kick, but Robert surprised, held the leg and took the champion to the ground. The Nigerian got up quickly, but the Australian managed to get to his back. Israel managed to break free and the fight was fought again in the center of the Octagon. Near the end of the round, Adesanya knocked his opponent off balance with a low kick. Whittaker responded with a jab, but there was no more time.
In the fourth stage, Whittaker took the initiative with a low kick followed by a clean left cross to the champion's face. The Nigerian responded with a shot, which stopped in his opponent's guard. After just over a minute, Adesanya threw a cross, but Whittaker dodged it and managed a beautiful takedown. The Australian managed to get to the back, tried a rear naked choke, but the Nigerian managed to free himself. Near the final minute, Israel knocked his opponent off balance with a left cross. Robert was betting on the counterattack and the fight remained tense. In the final seconds, the challenger went for the clinch, but the champion freed himself from the hold.
In the decisive round, Whittaker started shortening, but ran into the champion's response jabs. Robert managed to reach his opponent and landed a direct hit on his opponent's face. Israel continued moving forward and launched long-range attacks. With just over three minutes remaining, the Australian launched a straight left, which touched the Nigerian. The challenger attempted a takedown again, but Israel defended well. Halfway through the round, Whittaker threatened a takedown, but Israel protected himself well. The challenger remained 'confined' to his rival, while Israel tried to free itself. In the final minute, the challenger tried to take him down again, but the champion looked sharp in his defenses. The Australian continued to press his opponent against the bars, but without force or danger. The confrontation ended with Whittaker looking for the takedown, but there was no more time.
UFC 271 results
MAIN CARD
Average weight: Israel adesanya derrotou Robert whittaker in the unanimous decision of the judges (50-45, 48-47, 49-46) – Fight for the belt
Heavyweight: Tai tuivasa derrotou Derrick Lewis by knockout at 1m40s of R2
Average weight: Jared Cannonier derrotou Derek Brunson by technical knockout at 4m29s
Lightweight: Renato Moicano derrotou Alexander Hernandez via submission (rear naked choke) at 1m23s of R2
Lightweight: Bobby Green derrotou Nasrat Haqparast in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27,30-27,30-27)
PRELIMINARY CARD
Heavyweight: Andrei Arlovski derrotou Jared Vanderaa in the judges' split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Fly weight: Casey O'Neill defeated Roxanne Modafferi via split decision (29-28,28-29,29-28)
Bantamweight: Kyler Phillips derrotou Marcelo red via submission (armbar) at 1m48s of R3
Light Heavyweight: Carlos Ulberg derrotou Fabio Cherant in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27,30-27,30-27)
Bantamweight: Ronnie Lawrence defeated Mana Martinez via unanimous decision (29-27,29-28,29-28)
Average weight: Jacob Malkoun derrotou AJ Dobson in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-28,29-28, 29-28)
Bantamweight: Douglas D'Silva derrotou Sergey Morozov via submission (rear naked choke) at 3m24s of R2
Welterweight Weight: Jeremiah Wells defeated Blood Diamond via submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:38 of R1
Heavyweight: Maxim grishin derrotou William knight in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27,30-27,30-27)
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