UFC fight fans will have to wait a bit longer to see Israel Adesanya back in action defending his undisputed belt. ‘The Last Stylebender’ was in talks to finally rematch former divisional champion, Robert Whittaker, at UFC 270 in January. The aforementioned pay-per-view will be the first one of 2022 and the UFC usually likes to stack up the card.
However, news recently broke that Francis Ngannou will headline UFC 270 against interim champion Ciryl Gane. Given the magnitude of both title fights mentioned above, it’s safe to say that the UFC will be keen to give them their own platforms to shine. Keeping that in mind, UFC 271 on February 12 will be the targeted date for Adesanya vs Whittaker 2, per Combate.
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Chiefly, this means that the middleweight division will continue to be in a state of limbo until UFC 271. There are several contenders who have reached the apex of the division and are keen to cash in on their title shot. However, Whittaker has asserted his dominance like no other and he’s now ready to exact his revenge.
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Israel Adesanya vs Robert Whittaker: The best of the best
The title fight between Adesanya and Whittaker will be instrumental in deciding who the top dog is at 185-pounds. Although Adesanya won the first fight with ease, Whittaker has managed to rebound in a massive way. ‘The Reaper’ has beaten everyone that’s been put in front of him and he’s been relentless with his overall approach.
Imago
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – APRIL 17: (L-R) Robert Whittaker of Australia kicks Kelvin Gastelum in a middleweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on April 17, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
With names like Jared Cannonier, Darren Till, and Kelvin Gastelum under his belt since losing to ‘Izzy’, Whittaker has more than earned his shot. Many fight fans believe he has made the necessary adjustments to become champion once more.
However, this won’t be easy considering the way Adesanya dissects every one of his opponents. Not to mention, ‘The Last Stylebender’ has been extremely active and his game has seen incremental improvements. There’s no question that the best middleweight on the planet will be decided when both men finally collide on the big stage.
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