Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Israel Adesanya will look to become the undisputed Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Middleweight champion of the world when he battles division king, Robert Whittaker, this Saturday (Oct. 5, 2019) at UFC 243 in Melbourne, Australia.
Before then, let’s take a trip down memory lane to see the first time “The Last Stylebender” tasted UFC gold.
Earlier this year, Israel found himself face-to-face with Kelvin Gastelum in the co-main event of UFC 236 in Atlanta, GA., for the interim title at 185 pounds. And fight fans were gifted a feast for the eyes, as Kelvin and Israel came out swinging.
Indeed, both men had their shining moments, and for the first time in his pro MMA career, Adesanya faced adversity, as the much shorter Gastleum brought the fight to him, busting him up throughout the bout, dropping him in the very first round.
But, Israel had just a few more shining moments than his foe, using his size and reach advantage to connect, dropping Kelvin on a few occasions in the fifth and final round, which helped him earn the unanimous decision win. In the end, though, both men walked home with an extra $50,000 thanks to their “Fight of the Night”-winning performances.
Now, “The last Stylebender” will look to become the undisputed champion at 185 pounds by taking out Whittaker, a man who hasn’t tasted defeat in the division. But if we are to believe Israel, it’s going to be a fairly easy night at the office for him.
To see the entire UFC 243: “Whittaker vs Adesanya” fight card click here.