Nigeria’s Israel Adesanya knocked out 185-pound challenger Robert Whittaker to become UFC undisputed world middleweight champion on Saturday night, October 5, at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, Australia.
The performance on the night means Adesanya has now improved his MMA record to 18-0-0 and his UFC record is 7-0.
Naija stand up! HE'S DONE IT!@Stylebender finishes Whittaker in the 2nd round! Wow! #UFC243 pic.twitter.com/IS1f8lL8Lt
— UFC (@ufc) October 6, 2019
A remarkable achievement and rise to stardom for Adesanya, who made his debut in the promotion in February 2018.
The first round was cagey affair as both fighters failed to land significant blows. Whittaker tried dictating the pace while Adesanya opted to stay back and wait for his moment.
https://twitter.com/ComplexSports/status/1180703448133767168
However, the Nigerian sent Whittaker to the canvass with a right hook straight to the face, but the horn stopped Adesanya as he was about to apply the finish on the Aussie.
In the second round, Adesanya had the advantage as a visibly unhappy Whittaker was keen on re-establishing himself inside the octagon, but the Nigerian will not let go easily.
And the moment Adesanya landed a head kick on Whittaker, the end appeared closer for the Aussie as he appeared hurt, with wobbling legs.
He did it. Israel Adesanya is your new UFC middleweight champion. #UFC243 pic.twitter.com/jAaDQTg7jr
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) October 6, 2019
Further punches from Adesanya to Whittaker’s face sent the Australian crashing to the ground, but the Nigerian still had time to apply the killer hammer punch to end the proceedings, a result that sees him become the new middleweight champion of the world at the 3:33 mark of the second round.
The scores at the time of the stoppage.read 10-9 in favour of Adesanya.
Discussion about this post