Israel Adesanya feels there’s no need for a third fight with Robert Whittaker.
In February, Adensanya rematched Whittaker at UFC 271, winning a unanimous decision and moving to 2-0 over the former middleweight champion. That was the end of it for “The Last Stylebender”.
“He is a great fighter,” Adesanya stated at a press conference for , and 277. He’s an excellent fighter and I’ll be honest with him. But, that’s how the book ends. That book has been read twice. First time was a quick read, second time was a little bit longer. He’s probably going to be at the top for a little while longer, but if we fight again, I know how that book ends. That’s why I’m excited about this next fight, some new blood, someone I’ve never fought before.
“If he wants, he should go up to 205, see what that’s about. Maybe try that for a little bit. “But yeah, that’s the book I have already read, and I don’t like repeating it.”
Adesanya destroyed Whittaker in their first encounter, dropping “Bobby Knuckles” repeatedly before finishing the fight in the second round to claim the UFC middleweight title. The rematch was much more competitive, with Whittaker believing he did enough to warrant a decision. Adesanya won the fight unanimously by judges.
Now, Whittaker is looking to move up the ladder towards a title shot. He will begin with a fight against Marvin Vettori in Paris at UFC Paris. Adesanya, meanwhile, returns to defend his middleweight title against Jared Cannonier in the main event of UFC 276 next month. It’s a bout Adesanya is excited for and one he believes will be one of his best performances in the cage.
“I don’t believe [Cannonier is my toughest opponent],” Adesanya said. “That’s my first inkling, but it doesn’t mean I underestimate him. Everybody is capable of overcoming any challenge. He’s a guy that packs a lot. … He still carries that strength around, so I can’t overlook him, but I don’t think he’ll be the toughest challenge. I honestly think I’ll make this easy. This will look so easy .”
UFC 276 will be held July 3 in Las Vegas at the T-Mobile Arena.
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