Video recap: Whittaker wins hard-fought decision against Till

Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Robert Whittaker picked up his first win in over two years beating Darren Till by decision at UFC Fight Island 3. In the main event of the final UFC card on “Fight Island”, Robert Whittake…

UFC Fight Night: Whittaker v Till

Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Robert Whittaker picked up his first win in over two years beating Darren Till by decision at UFC Fight Island 3.

In the main event of the final UFC card on “Fight Island”, Robert Whittaker returned to the win column defeating Darren Till by unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 48-47).

What was the high point of the fight?

As both men stepped into range, Till landed a hard elbow that dropped Whittaker but he did well to get back to his feet straight after. Whittaker made it one knockdown a piece in the second round catching Till on the chin with a right hook and following up with some ground and pound.

Neither man was landing many significant strikes through rounds three and four, with Whittaker missing on his looping overhands and Till not being able to land elbows. In the fifth round, Till landed a big elbow that cut Whittaker straight away, but “The Reaper” finished strong but taking Till down.

Where do they go from here?

The win is not enough to warrant a title shot for Whittaker, with Paulo Costa in line for the next shot at champion Israel Adesanya. There a couple of options for Whittaker next, with top contenders Jack Hermansson and Jared Cannonier both on good winning streaks serving as potential opponents.

After his big win against Kelvin Gastelum in his middleweight debut last year, Till has suffered his first loss in his new weight class. Maybe the winner of Derek Brunson vs. Edmen Shahbazyan next weekend is a good opponent for Till next.

Watch it now, later or never?

It wasn’t the most thrilling of fights, but there was still some exciting moments. Watch it now.