Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Middleweight champions Robert Whittaker and Israel Adesanya this Saturday (Oct. 5, 2019) at UFC 243 from inside Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, Australia.
Despite Adesanya’s best attempts to create some bad blood in this match up, Whittaker has not taken the bait, and that remains the furthest thing from what’s actual intriguing about tonight’s main event. It’s a showcase fight for the rising talent level in mixed martial arts (MMA), as two extremely skilled and high-level athletes will finally meet. Both men have done great work inside the Octagon, but it’s time to determine who’s the best Middleweight on the planet.
Let’s take a closer look at the keys to victory for each man:
Robert Whittaker
Record: 20-4
Key Wins: Yoel Romero (UFC 225, UFC 213), Ronaldo Souza (UFC on FOX 24), Derek Brunson (UFC Fight Night 101), Uriah Hall (UFC 193), Rafael Natal (UFC 197)
Key Losses: Stephen Thompson (UFC 170), Court McGee (UFC Fight Night 27)
Keys to Victory: Whittaker is one of the sport’s best representatives of the karate-boxing hybrid style that is becoming more and more popular. “Bobby Knuckles” springs forward with shocking speed and smart combinations, and he’s also one of the best defensive wrestlers in the sport.
Against Adesanya, Whittaker’s kickboxing will definitely be tested. However, this is still an MMA fight, and Whittaker should make sure that Adesanya remembers that. A few takedown attempts — even if they amount to absolutely nothing — would be a wise move from the Aussie.
Offensively, I’d like to see Whittaker follow his punches with high kicks frequently. That strategy is already a strong skill in Whittaker’s arsenal, but it will be especially valuable against a fighter who slips as frequently as Adesanya. On a similar note, stomping Adesanya’s lead knee like he did to Romero would likely offset the counter punches rhythm.
Finally, Whittaker has to really make sure to end his combinations safely. There are plenty of different exit routes: rolls, slips, pivots, pulls and more. This is generally a strength of Whittaker’s style as well, but he was caught watching his work a couple times against Romero, and Adesanya will be looking to land similar counter shots.
Israel Adesanya
Record: 17-0
Key Wins: Kelvin Gastelum (UFC 236), Brad Tavares (TUF 27 Finale), Anderson Silva (UFC 234), Derek Brunson (UFC 230), Marvin Vettori (UFC on FOX 29)
Key Losses: None
Keys to Victory: Adesanya is among the most decorated kickboxers to ever compete inside the Octagon, and his striking skill has transitioned over wonderfully. “Stylebender” is a sniper, remarkably accurate with his kill shots. Just as importantly, his defensive wrestling and grappling have improved quickly, enabling him to force striking matches.
As with any match up of extremely skilled kickboxers, this fight is going to be an ongoing series of adjustments as each man attempts to solve the other. At the same time, one focus I’d like to see from Adesanya is scoring low kicks early and consistently. Whittaker relies a lot on his speed, and his game would likely struggle without his infamous acceleration.
Adesanya prides himself on accuracy and timing, so it might be interesting to see if “Stylebender” can counter Whittaker’s forward rushes with straight shots. That hasn’t been a successfully strategy for anyone else just yet, but Adesanya does have the length and experience to potentially make it happen. If he can stick Whittaker with the jab or cross as the Aussie leaps forward, it will do a lot of damage and disrupt his rhythm.
Bottom Line: It’s one of the best fights possible across the entire roster.
Whittaker is still looking for his first official title defense, and more than that, he’s looking to remind the fighting world why he’s champion. “Bobby Knuckles” is a special fighter, but injuries have kept him from displaying his talents. Against a highly regarded foe in Adesanya, this is the perfect opportunity to reassert himself as the top of the totem pole.
Alternatively, Adesanya is a real star in the making. He’s already made a pretty huge name for himself in a short time, but dethroning Whittaker at a massive event in Australia to win the official title would be a game-changer for “Stylebender.” Adesanya walks, talks, and fights like he’s the sport’s biggest star — a win here might just make it a reality.
Remember that MMAmania.com will deliver LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow coverage of the entire UFC 243 fight card this weekend right HERE, starting with the Fight Pass “Prelims” matches online, which are scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. ET, then the remaining undercard balance on ESPN 2 at 8 p.m. ET, before the PPV main card start time at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN+.
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At UFC 243, Robert Whittaker and Israel Adesanya will go to war. Which man will earn the victory?