UFC 271: Israel Adesanya reigns supreme after holding off Aussie Robert Whittaker
Main card
Israel Adesanya def Robert Whittaker - middleweight title
Tai Tuivasa def Derrick Lewis - heavyweight
Jared Cannonier def Derek Brunson - middleweight
Renato Moicano def Alexander Hernandez - lightweight
Bobby Green def Nasrat Haqparast - lightweight
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Whittaker's fairytale ending falls agonisingly short
Robert Whittaker's journey to reclaim the UFC middleweight championship has fallen agonisingly short, going down via unanimous decision to old rival Israel Adesanya.
The two embraced and raised each other's hands into the air at the end of a fight that regardless of the result, more than lived up to the hype.
Apart from the first round being clearly for the champ, you could make a case for either the rest of the way.
And in the end, Whittaker needed just one more round on two of the scorecards to reclaim his title as the judges' scorecards read out 48-47, 48-47, 49-46.
"I knew he was going to bring everything because last time I took everything away from him," Adesanya said after the win.
"So he had nothing to lose. As I said, I'm the champ, if you want it, come get it."
Sometimes you don't get perfect endings, but this rematch was as much about going the distance as it was winning, which you could tell from the smile on Whittaker's face even after the scores were announced.
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Robert Whittaker and Israel Adesanya embrace after finishing five rounds Getty
Adesanya defeats Whittaker
Israel Adesanya defeats Aussie Robert Whittaker via unanimous decision.
Adesanya retains the middleweight title.
"I knew he was going to bring everything because last time I took everything away from him," Adesanya said after the win.
"So he had nothing to lose. As I said, I'm the champ, if you want it, come get it."
Whittaker vs Adesanya: Fight goes the distance
The fight goes the distance and now we await the judges' decision.
Israel Adesanya of Nigeria kicks Robert Whittaker of Australia in their middleweight championship fight during UFC 271 Getty
Whittaker vs Adesanya: One round to go
It's well and truly on!
Despite a disappointing opening round from Aussie Robert Whittaker, he's fought back well.
Whittaker during rounds three and four looked a much different fighter, landing several punches while notching two takedowns on Adesanya.
"It's been close, Robert Whittaker has done a lot of good things since round one," said Daniel Cormier in UFC commentary.
"This is a hard fight to judge."
Whittaker vs Adesanya: Concerns for Adesanya
Adesanya is still on top, but there's concern the titleholder may have injured his right hand.
He appeared to be nursing his right hand during the third round.
Whittaker vs Adesanya: Better round from Whittaker
A much better performance in the second round from Aussie Robert Whittaker.
Whittaker landed some shots and caught Adesanya off guard several times.
It's tightening up now with three rounds to go.
Whittaker vs Adesanya: Adesanya on top early
The first round comes to an end.
Early on Israel Adesanya looks well on top.
Adesanya landed several leg kicks and even knocked Robert Whittaker down at one stage.
"He's just so calm... Israel Adesanya is looking fantastic," said Michael Bisping in UFC commentary.
Whittaker vs Adesanya MAIN EVENT
Whittaker vs Adesanya, just minutes away
The middleweight title fight between Aussie Robert Whittaker and Israel Adesanya is just moments away from getting underway!
Both fighters are now in the octagon.
Whittaker walks out MAIN EVENT
Up Next: Whittaker v Adesanya
Up Next: Aussie Robert Whittaker looks for redemption in his rematch with Israel Adesanya for the UFC middleweight title.
Both fighters are just about to make their way out to the octagon.
Not long to go now!
Aussie Tai Tuivasa stuns American Derrick Lewis
WHAT A WIN.
Aussie Tai Tuivasa stuns American Derrick Lewis with an incredible second-round fight back.
Tuivasa and Lewis were both throwing heavy punches before the Aussie landed the crucial shot.
Lewis struggled to stay on his feet, stumbling before the fight was put to an end.
"With the biggest win of his life!" said Daniel Cormier in commentary
Michael Bisping added: "Tai Tuivasa is the Man! Who would've thought that?"
And just as Tuivasa did in his last UFC win, he celebrated with a classic 'shoey' as he walked back to the locker room.
