UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has never lost a fight at 185 pounds. The closest he’s come was his latest outing against former champ Robert Whittaker, who remains the top contender in the division. Adesanya, however, at a press conference ahead of UFC 276 and UFC 277 claimed that he isn’t interested in fighting Whittaker a third time.
“He’s a great fighter. I’ll give it to him, he’s a great fighter, but I know how that book ends. I’ve read that book twice already. 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.
Israel Adesanya Uninterested in Whittaker Trilogy, Whittaker Responds
If he wants, he should go up to 205, see what that’s about. Maybe try that for a little bit. But yeah, I’ve read that book already, and I don’t like reading the same book over and over again.”
Adesanya initially claimed the middleweight title by knocking Whittaker out before the Australian champion’s home crowd. The rematch went the distance, and although Whittaker felt that he had earned victory, the judges awarded the fight to Adesanya via unanimous decision.
Israel Adesanya’s next opponent is Jared Cannonier, but “The Last Stylebender” is unfazed by his pending opposition as always. “I don’t believe [Cannonier is my toughest opponent].
That’s my first inkling, but it doesn’t mean I underestimate him. Everyone is a tough challenger. 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. I really believe I will make this look easy.” Whittaker, however, told TalkSPORT that, like it or not, he’s coming back for the title.
“I’m the most dangerous person in the division and I threaten everyone, no-one is safe in this division and of course, he wants me to get out of there.
I’m the hunter and I want it. He saw after that last fight that I wanted it and I’m coming for it and I’m not gonna stop until I get it. It’s scary, just picture looking over your shoulder and seeing me there. I’m really happy where I am right now.
I’m doing some good work in the middleweight division and the hunt to get the fight is fun in a way. I’m enjoying the idea of beating up everyone in front of me until they’re looking at a list with every name scratched off like, well, Rob’s left.”
Do you want to see Adesanya vs Whittaker 3? Let us know in the comments.
