Adesanya Retains UFC 271 Welterweight Crown, Defeats Whittaker

By Akinwale Kasali

Nigeria’s Ultimate Fighting Championship, UFC 271 Welterweight Champion, Israel Adesanya, has successfully defended his crown in a unanimous decision over arch rival, Robert Whittaker.

Adesanya faced Whittaker for the second time at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, United States of America in the early hours of today.

The fight against Whittaker was Adesanya’s fourth after wins over Yoel Romero, Paolo Costa and Marvin Vettori

The Nigerian Fighter constantly attacked the lead leg of Whittaker from all angles, and was in full control of the First Round and scored an early knockdown. Luckily for Whittaker, he got back on feet  quickly.

Noticing that Adesanya has won the first round, Whittaker attempted two takedowns in the second round but was well defended by Adesanya.

Prior to the fight, Whittaker had  looked for an Avenue to avenge his earlier defeat to Adesanya, and their fight in Texas was a huge chance.

Adesanya emerged victorious in their first fight at the Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, Australia, in 2019 to claim the middleweight title and was confident of retaining the belt against a much improved Whittaker.

The Nigerian however scored a thunderous second-round knockout of Whittaker in Melbourne, Australia to claim the title in October 2019 to cap an amazing run in just his seventh fight with the promotion.

Whittaker rebounded with three straight victories to earn a second shot against Adesanya after his brief stay atop the division.

Adesanya only loss in UFC was his light heavyweight against Jan Blachowicz.

In Round two of their fight, Whittaker was more aggressive but met more counterattacks from Adesanya.

Both fighters connected well during the third  round but Adesanya hit heavier.

Adesanya defended Whittaker’s first takedown attempt but Whittaker got him in his second attempt but Adesanya got back to his feet.

Adesanya rarely threw his right hand with the commentators claiming he might have hurt the hand in training.

Whittaker was landed several body kicks and he seemed to have hurt his legs, as he was expertly taken down by a stronger and determined Adesanya.

The champion landed several body shots.

Both fighters came out smoking in the last round as the race for the title rested on the final round.