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The much-improved Vettori thinks he would beat UFC’s dynamic Middleweight kingpin in a rematch.
Middleweight Marvin Vettori spent three rounds battering Andrew Sanchez at UFC Fight Night 161, which took place last night (Sat., Oct. 12, 2019) inside Amelia Arena in Tampa, Florida (results here). But, because of some bad blood, Vettori still had some heated words for The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) winner after the clear-cut decision was rendered. Why? Sanchez made the mistake of accusing Vettori of juicing … and he really, really hates that.
Nevertheless, the Italian — now riding a two-fight win streak — can now move onto bigger and better things. And it doesn’t get much bigger and better than a rematch with an old foe, Middleweight champion Israel Adesanya.
“When I fought him first, I underestimated him a little bit,” Vettori explained. “I know my potential. He’s doing good. I can’t wait to face him again — I think it would be a different fight. I don’t think anyone has done better than me [against him in UFC]. I wasn’t even half as good as I am now … and he knows.”
Adesanya earned a split decision win over Vettori at UFC on FOX 29 back in April 2018. Since that time, though, “The Last Stylebender” has exploded, winning five consecutive bouts and lifting the 185-pound title off of Robert Whittaker earlier this month in impressive fashion (watch it).
Vettori — currently an un-ranked fighter — might have a good argument on his hands, but he’ll need to put in overtime inside the Octagon to earn a rematch against the likes of a superstar Adesanya.
For complete UFC Tampa results and coverage click here.