Israel Adesanya retains UFC middleweight title with a unanimous decision win over Robert Whittaker. The fight was close after the first round. Whittaker landed 4 out of 8 takedowns in the fight but Israel leg kicks and takedown defense was the story tonight. When Whittaker landed the takedown, Israel got back immediately. Israel leg kicks to Whittaker’s right hamstring and calves are going to leave him with multiple bruises.
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Whittaker fought really well but I personally believe he didn’t do enough to take the belt. Two judges scored it 48-47 and the other judge scored it 49-46. Personally I scored it 48-47. Robert Whittaker won the second and fifth rounds. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Whittaker fight Israel for a third fight next year. These two seem head and shoulders above the decision. I would like to see Robert Whittaker vs Marvin Vettori next. Also, I would like to see Israel vs Sean Strickland just for press conference but most likely it will be Jared Cannonier next for a title shot. Something I’m also interested in is Israel Adesanya vs Jiri Prochazka if Jiri beats Glover Teixeira for the UFC Light Heavyweight championship.
