Israel Adesanya calls out “arch-nemesis” Robert Whittaker after UFC 263, says he wants to run things back with the former champion


Israel Adesanya calls out “arch-nemesis” Robert Whittaker after UFC 263, says he wants to run things back with the former champion

Israel Adesanya UFC 263

Israel Adesanya successfully defended his title against Marvin Vettori at UFC 263. The champion wants a rematch against Robert Whittaker and vows to knock him out again in the next fight.

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Israel Adesanya proved to the world why he is the best of best as he calmly dismantled his former rival Marvin Vettori in a rematch at UFC 263. The Last Stylebender did not hesitate and barely even got scratched the whole fight that went for full five rounds. Marvin on the other hand was emotional throughout the buildup of the fight and could not execute his plan. Izzy won via unanimous decision by outscoring Vettori once again. After defending his title, Adesanya dedicated his fight to his friends that were murdered by thugs. “This is for Fau Vake and his family,” Adesanya said. “Fau Vake, Fau Vake, Fau Vake… I love you.” 

Israel Adesanya vs Marvin Vettori
Adesanya vs Vettori

But later he told Joe Rogan that he would like to run things back with his “arch-nemesis” Robert Whittaker, whom he beat in 2019 to win the title of a middleweight. “Well you know, my Arch Nemesis, Bobby Knuckles. I knocked him out twice that night. I don’t know what will happen with all this COVID shit, but if he wants to run that back, we will do it in Auckland – my territory,” Adesanya told UFC commentator Joe Rogan. This match-up is long-awaited and it was also expected given Adesanya wanted to lap around the entire middleweight division.

“I’m the mother f***ing king,” says Israel Adesanya

Robert Whittaker and Israel Adesanya
Robert Whittaker and Israel Adesanya

Robert Whittaker turned down the fight for this week but Israel Adesanya says that he will not give Whittaker that leverage next time. Rob fights when Izzy wants to fight. Rob fights where Izzy wants to fight. From his post-fight interview, it is clear that Adesanya wants to defend his title in his home town, Auckland, New Zealand.

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“I don’t know what will happen with all this COVID shit, but if he wants to run that back, we will do it in Auckland – my territory,” Adesanya said. “I’ll tell you when it is, you don’t get to decide. You know why? Because, I’m the motherf*cking king b*tch,” he said calling out the former champion. This fight clearly showed how much Adesanya has improved fighting-wise, do you think Robert Whittaker has what it takes to reclaim his belt?

Also read: UFC 263: Brandon Moreno submits Deiveson Figueiredo to become the flyweight champion