Israel Adesanya is all set for a rematch with Marvin Vettori at UFC 263. Following the announcement by the UFC, Israel reveals that he was keener to fight Robert Whittaker instead.
Whittaker faced his last loss to Adesanya at UFC 243 in October 2019. Since then, ‘The Reaper’ has been stringing a set of wins to warrant a title shot. Robert beat Darren Till, Jared Cannonier, and Kelvin Gastelum to earn his title shot.
“Vettori was number 6. He beats a random top-10 guy and jumps up to number 3. I was like, How the f**k does this guy deserve to fight for the belt?” Moreover, Israel feels that Vettori has been treating his loss to him as the biggest win of his career.
Additionally, Israel explains that he wants to replicate his fellow Nigerian, Kamaru Usman. “I’ve taken inspiration from Kamaru. I’m gonna shut this mother****er [Marvin Vettori] up”. Kamaru Usman beat Jorge Masvidal at UFC 251 and then in a rematch at UFC 261.
Previously, Israel won against Vettori by a controversial split decision. At UFC Fight Night: Poirier vs. Gaethje, Vettori felt that he did more than enough to claim victory over ‘Stylebender’. Subsequently, he has been very vocal about a rematch ever since.
Read More: Israel Adesanya Wants to Copy Kamaru Usman’s Fighting Style To Beat Up Marvin Vettori at UFC 263
Can Israel Adesanya Win the Rematch?
Israel Adesanya and Vettori had an intense match-up last time around. At the time, Israel was an up-and-coming prospect and Vettori was the underdog. Whilst the bout was intriguing to watch, it was the first time that Israel looked uncomfortable. Moreover, it highlighted the Nigerian’s weakness in the grappling and wrestling department.
Israel Adesanya of Nigeria punches Jan Blachowicz of Poland in their UFC light heavyweight championship fight during the UFC 259 event at UFC APEX on March 06, 2021, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Credits: Getty Images)
‘Stylebender’ thrives off of countering his opponents. His unorthodox striking and movement allow him to confuse his opponents and deliver decisive blows. However, he struggles with wrestlers like Vettori. However, Israel and his trainers have been working on improving the champ’s grappling and groundwork.
Although he is returning from a loss to Jan Blachowicz, Israel is confident that he can dispatch Marvin once again. In addition to his traditional fighting skill, Adesanya will now have the added advantage of groundwork expertise. As such, fans of ‘Stylebender’ will be looking forward to another display of Israel’s skills and showmanship.
