Israel Adesanya dances during his walkout at UFC 243
Nearly two-and-a-half years after they first clashed in the Octagon, Israel Adesanya and Robert Whittaker will go head-to-head for the UFC middleweight title again this evening.
In October 2019, Adesanya’s meteoric rise through the 185lbs division culminated in the then-interim champion’s victory over Whittaker in Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium, as the biggest crowd in UFC history watched their home fighter get knocked out in the second round to surrender his belt. For Whittaker, the pressure of a seismic fight against his antagonistic foe in front of more than 57,000 fans – as well as the Australia vs New Zealand narrative – proved too much, and the defending champion was unusually reckless as he was outfought by Nigerian-born Adesanya.
Whittaker has fought and won three times since then, navigating a tough route back to Adesanya, who has competed four times since beating the “Reaper”. While Whittaker recorded impressive wins against Darren Till, Jared Cannonier and Kelvin Gastelum, there were three successful title defences for Adesanya – against Yoel Romero, Paulo Costa and Marvin Vettori – though he suffered a first professional loss in unsuccessfully challenging for the light heavyweight belt last year. Finally, Adesanya and Whittaker rematch at UFC 271 in Houston, Texas tonight, where Derrick Lewis competes in front of a home crowd in his co-main event against fellow heavyweight Tai Tuivasa.
There is also a meeting between middleweight contenders Cannonier and Derek Brunson, with the winner of that contest potentially next for the victor of the main event.
Follow live updates and fight results from UFC 271, below.
UFC 271: Adesanya vs Whittaker
Modafferi vs O’Neill – Round 2
More of the same in this round, with O’Neill landing the heavier punches but Modafferi getting through with jabs intermittently.
O’Neill is picking up the pace now; she’s already overtaken her previous personal best for significant strikes in a UFC fight.
Modafferi could do with taking this fight to the canvas but seemingly has no interest in doing so. Big front kick to the face from O’Neill! She leads Modafferi 122-54 in significant strikes.
Modafferi gets the takedown late in the round! Now she knows for sure that it’s there.
Alex Pattle13 February 2022 02:21
UFC 271: Adesanya vs Whittaker
Modafferi vs O’Neill – Round 1
The women trade stinging left hands late in the round, and immediately Modafferi paws at her face.
O’Neill is starting to develop a black eye, though!
Alex Pattle13 February 2022 02:15
UFC 271: Adesanya vs Whittaker
Modafferi vs O’Neill – Round 1
O’Neill is undefeated and has gone 3-0 in the UFC, with stoppages in each of her wins in the promotion.
Modafferi on the front foot early on, throwing neat counter jabs. O’Neill fires back with some firm punches, however.
Well-timed jab from Modafferi, then a right overhand. More jabs, but O’Neill finds her range with a right straight.
Both women’s noses are bloodied already. O’Neill comes forward with less tidy punches now and misses with all of them.
Alex Pattle13 February 2022 02:14
UFC 271: Adesanya vs Whittaker
Next up, Roxanne Modafferi vs Casey O’Neill at women’s flyweight.
This is fan favourite Modafferi’s final bout before retiring.
Alex Pattle13 February 2022 02:10
UFC 271: Adesanya vs Whittaker
Kyler Phillips def. Marcelo Rojo via third-round submission (arm bar, 1:48).
Alex Pattle13 February 2022 01:59
UFC 271: Adesanya vs Whittaker
Phillips vs Rojo – Round 3
Phillips’ kicks appear to have done more damage; there is serious swelling on Rojo’s left shin. His corner ice it ahead of this final round. Former flyweight champion Brandon Moreno is among Rojo’s team.
Rojo presses forward early in this frame regardless. He stuffs a takedown attempt, but Phillips keeps working and gets it eventually.
Philllips is in mount and looking for a triangle… he opts for an arm bar instead and GETS THE SUBMISSION!
Alex Pattle13 February 2022 01:57
UFC 271: Adesanya vs Whittaker
Phillips vs Rojo – Round 2
Rojo was largely fighting on the back foot in the first round but tries to press forward now.
Phillips retaliates with a jumping knee into a jab, both of which are blocked.
Rojo kicks low several times, and eventually Phillips returns in kind. He tries a combination up top but to little avail, then Rojo finds success with his own combo.
Alex Pattle13 February 2022 01:54
UFC 271: Adesanya vs Whittaker
Phillips vs Rojo – Round 1
Again the pair hit the canvas with Phillips on top, landing elbows. Rojo tries for an arm bar with a few seconds left on the clock in the first round, but Phillips escapes.
Alex Pattle13 February 2022 01:48
UFC 271: Adesanya vs Whittaker
Phillips vs Rojo – Round 1
The men trade simultaneous, hard low kicks at once.
Phillips is light on his feet, he catches Rojo on the end of a right straight.
Again the bantamweights trade leg kicks at the same time, with Rojo hitting the canvas but bouncing back up.
Phillips shoots for a takedown, but it’s stuffed. He then tries a spinning heel kick; he has to be careful about wasting energy here, he was too close for that shot.
Phillips drives Rojo to the fence and takes his back, jumping up and looking for a rear naked choke! The pair fall to the mat and Phillips transitions into full-guard.
Good work from Rojo to escape and stand up against the cage.
Alex Pattle13 February 2022 01:46
UFC 271: Adesanya vs Whittaker
Next up is a bantamweight bout between Kyler Phillips and Marcelo Rojo.
Alex Pattle13 February 2022 01:38
