UFC middleweight champion, Israel Adesanya, made a successful defense of his title at UFC 263. ‘The Last Stylebender’ neutralized ‘The Italian Dream’ in the main event and put on a striking clinic. Following the match, he declared his intention to face ‘The Reaper’.

Watch What’s Trending Now!

Adesanya’s former foe, Robert Whittaker, took to Twitter to send the current champion a message. “Rest up, see you soon. @ufc #ufc263,” wrote Whittaker

Adesanya won the belt from ‘The Reaper’ at UFC 243, earning a sensational second-round stoppage over the former champion. ‘Bobby Knuckles’ has since put together a three-fight winning streak over top contenders like Darren Till, Jared Cannonier, and Kelvin Gastelum. Hence, he is widely regarded as Izzy’s toughest test at the 185 lbs division of the UFC.

ADVERTISEMENT

Watch This Story5 Interesting Facts You Need To Know About Jairzinho Rozenstruik

Many believed he was next after he beat Gastelum. However, as Adesanya wanted the fight in June, the timings didn’t sync with Whittaker’s schedule. Hence, the UFC offered ‘The Italian Dream’ the bout.

ADVERTISEMENT

Though Vettori landed some takedowns throughout the fight, he could not inflict much damage on Adesanya. ‘The Last Stylebender‘ managed to scramble back to his feet throughout. And on the feet, he was always a step ahead of Vettori.

ADVERTISEMENT

Is Robert Whittaker the biggest threat to Israel Adesanya?

Despite Whittaker losing to Adesanya, he remains the topmost challenge for the champion in the division. His experience and his immense skills are a problem for anybody. ‘The Last Stylebender’ is no exception.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – FEBRUARY 10: Israel Adesanya of New Zealand is introduced prior to his middleweight bout against Anderson Silva of Brazil during the UFC 234 at Rod Laver Arena on February 10, 2019 in the Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

Adesanya’s activity inside the Octagon has been truly exemplary. He has set a benchmark for all the champions. Also, having already got a stoppage over Whittaker on his record, he will have huge confidence when they eventually rematch. Hence, fans will be in for a treat no doubt.

ADVERTISEMENT

Also Read: WOW! Israel Adesanya Walks Out With Ghost of Tsushima Mask to Linkin Park’s Song

ADVERTISEMENT

Share this with a friend:

Link Copied!

Written by

author-image

Apratim Banerjee

1,260 Articles

Apratim Banerjee is a senior UFC author for EssentiallySports and has been writing professionally for almost a year. Before his current gig, Apratim worked as a UFC writer for Sportskeeda. A long-time MMA fan, Apratim has developed a critical eye for the sport that has helped him transfer his vast knowledge to his copies and give hardcore and casual readers a detailed insight into the fights and fighters. Dan Henderson’s brutal knockout against Michael Bisping at UFC 100 in 2009 is one of his earliest memories of the sport. He has never missed a UFC PPV or a Fight Night since, which speaks volumes about his wealth of MMA knowledge. Israel Adesanya, Jon Jones, Stipe Miocic, Conor McGregor are some of his favorite fighters. Apart from this, Apratim plays soccer in his free time and loves scoring long-distance goals.

Know more