UFC: Israel Adesanya Defeats Vettori To Retain Middleweight Title

Israel Adesanya, a Nigerian-born UFC middleweight champion, has retained his title after defeating Italian fighter Marvin Vettori.

On Sunday, Adesanya won a unanimous decision over Vettori at the Gila River Arena in Arizona (50-45, 50-45, 50-45).

The bout was the second time both combatants have faced each other in the UFC, with Adesanya winning a split decision in their previous encounter in April 2018.

Both combatants had harsh exchanges in their press conferences leading up to the fight, but Adesanya insists he is ready to defend his belt.

After losing the light heavyweight title to Poland’s Jan Blachowicz in March, Adesanya now reigns supreme in the middleweight class.

The 31-year-old also promised to send Vettori to the floor in the second round.

Vettori attempted to make history early Sunday morning as he looked to dethrone Adesanya to become Italy’s first UFC titleholder.