UFC 271: Israel Adesanya outlasts Robert Whittaker in middleweight title rematch (Video)

UFC 271: Israel Adesanya outlasts Robert Whittaker in middleweight title rematch (Video)

HOUSTON, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 12: Israel Adesanya of Nigeria punches Robert Whittaker of Australia in their middleweight championship fight during UFC 271 at Toyota Center on February 12, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

HOUSTON, TEXAS – FEBRUARY 12: Israel Adesanya of Nigeria punches Robert Whittaker of Australia in their middleweight championship fight during UFC 271 at Toyota Center on February 12, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

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It was a strong effort from an improved Robert Whittaker, but Israel Adesanya keeps the middleweight title at UFC 271

The UFC 271 main event between UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya and Robert Whittaker was nothing like their first fight, but the end result was the same — Adesanya on top as undisputed champion.

This was a rematch of their UFC 243 encounter in Australia that saw Adesanya knock out Whittaker in two rounds to become the undisputed UFC middleweight champion.

Israel Adesanya retains UFC middleweight title in rematch with Robert Whittaker at UFC 271

A slow round one saw Adesanya pound away on the inside of Whittaker, namely with leg kicks. Adesanya dropped Whittaker briefly with a right hand in the frame, and a takedown attempt from Whittaker was stopped rather easily.

Whittaker lunged in with his punches in the second round, but Adesanya seemed to avoid those with ease. Whittaker, however, did start to land a minute or so later and scored a takedown on Adesanya. The defending champ, however, still landed effectively on his foe.

After a close third round where both men had their moments, although Adesanya still clearly outstruck Whittaker, Whittaker scored another takedown on Adesanya. Whittaker threatened with a rear-naked choke. But he wasn’t able to score the submission as Adesanya was able to force him off. Whittaker displayed sharp boxing through round four, but nothing seemed to put Adesanya in danger.

Whittaker scored another takedown on Adesanya in the fifth round, and while Adesanya got out of Whittaker’s grip, “The Reaper” did land a hard shot upon the break and had control for most of the final frame.

Two judges gave the fight to Adesanya 48-47, while the third scored the bout for him 49-46.

UFC 271 took place on Saturday, Feb. 12, 2022, live from Houston, TX. Follow along with FanSided MMA for all your news and highlights.

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