Israel Adesanya made it 2-0 against his biggest rival Saturday night. The UFC middleweight champion beat Robert Whittaker by unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46) in the UFC 271 main event in Houston. He retained the 185-pound title for the fourth time.
How did Israel Adesanya win the rematch?
Adesanya previously knocked Whittaker out in the second round in 2019 to win the belt. This rematch was far closer. But Adesanya edged it with his stand-up game. His low kicks did serious damage. He also kept constant pressure on Whittaker for five rounds.
Whittaker had success with his jab. He even landed multiple takedowns. But Adesanya's defense held up. He never let Whittaker advance on the ground. He got back to his feet quickly every time.
What does this win mean for Israel Adesanya?
The victory keeps Adesanya undefeated in the middleweight division. He's now on a two-fight winning streak. His only career loss came in a light heavyweight title fight against Jan Blachowicz in March 2021.
Since becoming champion in 2019, Adesanya has defended the belt against Yoel Romero, Paulo Costa, Marvin Vettori, and now Whittaker. That's four title defenses. He's cementing his legacy as one of the best middleweights ever.
Who is next for Israel Adesanya?
After the fight, Adesanya said he wants to face top contender Jared Cannonier. Cannonier beat Derek Brunson earlier on the UFC 271 main card. At the post-fight press conference, UFC president Dana White confirmed Cannonier gets the next title shot.
"I'm not going to say no to Cannonier," White said, according to MMA Fighting.
Whittaker had won three straight fights — over Darren Till, Cannonier, and Kelvin Gastelum — to earn this rematch. Now he'll have to go back to the drawing board.
What's next for the middleweight division?
Adesanya has cleared out most of the top contenders. Cannonier is a tough, powerful striker. But Adesanya's speed and reach give him advantages. The fight should happen later this year.
Adesanya keeps calling himself "The Last Stylebender." He's backing it up. Four title defenses. Zero losses at 185 pounds. The division is his for now.