30-year-old Nigerian-New Zealander, Israel Mobolaji Adesanya on Saturday night of October 5, 2019, knocked out 185-pound challenger Robert Whittaker to become UFC undisputed world middleweight champion at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, Australia.
The performance on the night means Adesanya has now improved his MMA record to 18-0-0 and his UFC record is 7-0.
Naija stand up! HE'S DONE IT!@Stylebender finishes Whittaker in the 2nd round! Wow! #UFC243 pic.twitter.com/IS1f8lL8Lt
— UFC (@ufc) October 6, 2019
The first round was cagey affair as both fighters failed to land significant blows. Whittaker tried dictating the pace while Adesanya opted to stay back and wait for his moment.
However, the Nigerian sent Whittaker to the canvass with a right hook straight to the face, but the horn stopped Adesanya as he was about to apply the finish on the Aussie. In the second round, Adesanya had the advantage as a visibly unhappy Whittaker was keen on re-establishing himself inside the octagon, but the Nigerian will not let go easily. And the moment Adesanya landed a head kick on Whittaker, the end appeared closer for the Aussie as he appeared hurt, with wobbling legs.
