Isreal Adesanya remains UFC middleweight titleholder after defeating Whittaker

UFC middleweight title holder, Israel Adesanya comfortably defeated Robert Whittaker on Saturday night to retain his belt at UFC 271 in Houston, Texas.

Over 16,000 fans who were inside the Toyota Center to watch a middleweight title rematch almost three years in the making got value for their money. The match was preceded by hometown heavyweight Derrick Lewis’ hotly-anticipated scrap with Tai Tuivasa.

Former WWE champion Booker T and social media star SteveWillDoIt were among the celebrities were part of those who came to witness the big event. They opted to forgo Super Bowl celebrations in California to take in a massive night of fights.

They enjoyed an enthralling five-fight main card that included a striking masterclass from Bobby Green to beat Nasrat Haqparast.

Adesanya had won their first meeting by way of a vicious knockout back in 2019. Whittaker earned his rematch by way of three wins.

It eventually turned out to be a more muted walkout for Adesanya than his dance troupe effort for their first fight, but he was as animated as ever when the bell rang.

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As usual, Adesanya’s rangy kickboxing style and seven-inch reach advantage made him difficult to find on the inside. This gave him 12 points within around and had dropped Whittaker with just three minutes on the clock after landing a right hand through the guard.

In his attempt to score points, the Australian replied with a sloppy takedown attempt. He admitted in his corner that the kicks had hurt him.

Whittaker’s effort not enough against Adesanya

In the second, Whittaker came out more aggressive but that appeared to play into Adesanya’s hands as he continued his dominance.

Despite managing to land that all-important takedown halfway through the second, Adesanya who won’t bulge got up quickly and continue his leg kick offence.

Due to an injury, Adesanya struggled, and he allowed Whittaker back into the fight.

Whittaker got his groove, and almost locked in a submission on the champion’s back, perhaps taking the round.

Knowing full well that knockout was needed to get his belt back, Whitaker couldn’t get it an impressive Adesanya who at range didn’t allow that to happen.

Whittaker then gave the Nigerian a low blow that allowed him time to recover saw the fight become more exciting for the Houston crowd. But it was ultimately too little too late as Adesanya had already taken the bulk of the rounds and retained his title by unanimous decision.