UFC 271: Toyota Center, Houston:
Winning “ugly” is still a win, and sometimes that’s what’s called for. Is it egregious to say that Robert Whittaker regained the UFC Middleweight strap? No; but it’s big a stretch. It was close at times, but not that close. But with the unanimous decision win, Israel Adesanya‘s lapping the middleweights. Now the question becomes who, if anyone can beat him.
Whittaker started out cold, ice cold. And that’s not what you want to do with someone who has the in-cage IQ. It doesn’t help matters that “The Last Stylebender” was chopping away at Whittaker’s lead leg. He controlled distance, piston-like aim on his strikes, and varied his attacks.
In fairness, after the opening round Whittaker did a little more, but Adesanya just continued to do more. Had Whittaker been able to do something with his 4-10 takedowns, it legitly could have gone the other way. But there was just too much caution from the Aussie.
Adesanya’s Lapping The Middleweights
Is there anyone right now that can beat him at 185? It’s hard to picture that. But there are three names that are percolating to the top of the list.
Jared Cannonier who also won has piqued Adesanya’s interest.
“I know June doesn’t have a pay-per-view yet but I’m the big dog in the yard now and I know the other dog Jared Cannonier just did some work tonight”.
While Cannonier might have the most raw power of all his opponents. However, Adesanya’s sniper attacks might be too much for him. After that it’s up in the air. He could hand the strap back to Dana White and go for another run at light heavyweight. Although it’s a fantasy fight, both he and Kamaru Usman said they have no interest in fighting each other.
Sean Strickland‘s wrestling and love of throwing hands might be a fun scrap, but it’s a while away; if at all. And although Khamzat Chimaev can go between welterweight and middleweight; he is making a legit run at 170. And that should play out fully first. Despite his tweet; which was then deleted: @stylebender easy money for me, 0 wrestling. 1 Round I’m gonna k*** him.
What Makes Him Generational
His ability to shut down wrestling, and scramble back up especially along the fence line is a huge key to him. But the varied attacks of a solid kicking game followed by his striking puts him in good positions early. Will he stick around to tie and break Anderson Silva’s defense record for the division? Going on how he speaks, you’d say yes. But the lack of significant threats can make you think no.
This was defense number four. He has a way to go with “Spider” at 10, and Demetrious Johnson at 11. But even with a single digit, his name belongs with both of theirs, and Usman’s along with GSP’s.
