After being dominated by Israel Adesanya in their 2019 meeting, Robert Whittaker entered UFC 271 on Saturday night knowing he had a very difficult puzzle to solve if he wanted to regain the middleweight championship. Whittaker was largely up to the challenge, but came up short as Adesanya retained the title via unanimous decision in a highly competitive fight.
Adesanya started off red hot, buzzing Whittaker with stinging shots and scoring a knockdown in the first round. The opening frame left Whittaker looking rattled on his stool in the corner before Round 2. Still, Whittaker showed the heart that had once led him to the top of the mountain, adjusting and mixing in wrestling to keep every remaining round competitive.
It was the lightning-fast striking and technique of Adesanya that ruled the day, allowing him to do just enough behind jabs and heavy leg kicks to pile up points and take the decision by scores of 48-47, 48-47 and 49-46.
“I knew he was going to bring everything because last time I took everything away from him,” Adesanya said after the win. “He had nothing to lose. But, like I said, I’m the champ, you have to come and get it.”
The win over Whittaker was Adesanya’s fourth defense of the middleweight championship since winning the belt in the first meeting with Whittaker.
For Whittaker, who had a three-fight winning streak snapped, the loss was a tough pill to swallow.
“Yeah, I did [think I won the fight],” Whittaker said. “I know I started off rocky in the first round but I felt like I took every one after that. It is what it is. Like they say, don’t leave it in the hands of the judges. I’m gutted. I’m gutted. I thought I did enough.”
CBS Sports was with you the entire way on Saturday bringing you all the results and highlights from the UFC 271 below.
Like Our Story ? Donate to Support Us, Click Here
You want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity/live coverage for product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +16477721660 or email Adebaconnector@gmail.com
