MMA Preview – Israel Adesanya vs Robert Whittaker 2 at UFC 271
ISRAEL ADESANYA VS ROBERT WHITTAKER FACTS
When is UFC 271? Sunday 13rd February, 2021 - 01:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC 271? Toyota Center, Houston, Texas (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC 271? Click here to buy tickets for UFC 271
What channel is UFC 271 on? BT Sport 1
Where can I stream UFC 271? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT Sport website
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
ISRAEL ADESANYA VS ROBERT WHITTAKER LOWDOWN
Israel Adesanya (21-1) struts out to Texas for the fourth defence of his middleweight crown, and it just so happens to be against somebody he has already knocked out. It was the best performance he had pulled off at the time, putting on a clinic against Robert Whittaker (20219) with only the bell preventing him from unifying the championship in the first round. Adesanya went on to earn a mature decision over Yoel Romero (2020) and then a masterclass against Paulo Costa (2020), finishing him in the second round as well. He then had the testicular fortitude to move up to light heavyweight to take on the champ Jan Blachowicz (2021), but the weight, power and grappling discrepancy was clear resulting in the sole loss of his career. However, he bounced back against Marvin Vettori (2021) in another unanimous decision to maintain his unbeaten status at 185 lbs.
That knockout is Robert Whittaker’s (23-5) only loss in 13 fights and considering what he was putting his body through, it was only a matter of time. He rose to the top of the middleweight division when it was overflowing with killers, and he solidified himself as the king with decisions over Romero (2017, 2018). He returned nine months after the Adesanya (2019) loss and looked refreshed meeting three more 185 monsters in Darren Till (2020), Jared Cannonier (2020) and Kelvin Gastelum (2021) outclassing them in unanimous decisions to step back into the number one contender spot.
ISRAEL ADESANYA VS ROBERT WHITTAKER PREDICTION
In 2019, that was one of the best versions of Adesanya and the worst of Whittaker. Whittaker was careless and played right into the hands of one of the best counter strikers in the sport. Adesanya was ruthless and he has only got better and even though he has a loss on the record now, getting dominated on the ground by Blachowicz will only help him in preparation for Whittaker’s redemption.
Besides Whittaker’s uncharacteristic recklessness, the key difference was Adesanya’s seven-inch reach advantage. He got a read and then used every inch to avoid Whittaker’s attacks and counter like a sniper. Whittaker has to change his strategy and mix in his grappling where he has a clear advantage.
How much of Whittaker’s game plan will consist of wrestling, we are not sure. However, one thing we can be certain of is that Bobby Knuckles will make this a much tougher fight. He will be calmer, patient and not rush into any flurries which could create an uneventful fight like Adesanya vs Romero.
Adesanya has good takedown defence, but the Aussie can control him in top position. If he cannot find that takedown, Adesanya will happily cruise five rounds waiting for his opportunity to snipe. He will throw regular kicks gradually disabling him which will force Whittaker to open up later in the fight and be more aggressive.
We feel Adesanya’s takedown defence will discourage Whittaker from attempting the takedown in every round. So, do not expect an action-packed war with Adesanya is likely to sway the judges by simply racking up the leg kicks and taking less damage with the help of his reach and movement.
Prediction: Adesanya via Decision - CLICK HERE FOR PARIMATCH'S WELCOME OFFER OF 50/1 ON ADESANYA TO BEAT WHITTAKER!
