Israel Adesanya had a quick rise in the UFC. From debuting in 2018 to winning the title in 2019, the Kiwi kickboxer shook up the UFC’s middleweight division.

During his rise to the division, ‘The Last Stylebender’ convincingly defeated all of his opponents. Before dethroning the champion, Robert Whittaker, he also won the UFC’s interim middleweight title.

He is looking to keep his fort against his arch-rival at UFC 271. Ahead of his rematch with ‘The Reaper’, he is looking in phenomenal shape.

His opponent, the former champion, has acknowledged his loss to ‘The Last Stylebender‘ and is ready for the rematch.

Israel Adesanya vs Robert Whittaker: The path to the rematch

‘The Last Stylebender’ and ‘The Reaper‘ will conduct their business this weekend at UFC 271. Ahead of their match, let’s look at their path since UFC 243, their first meeting.

After establishing himself as the best middleweight fighter in the UFC. ‘The Last Stylebender’ took on one of the scariest middleweight, Yoel Romero, and defeated him in a dull fight via unanimous decision.

The fans criticized both fighters for the low output in the fight. Though, Adesanya came back and put a clinic against then-undefeated Paulo Costa to get fans behind him again.

The performance had fans clamoring for a light heavyweight move. Adesanya tried and failed in his attempt to get the second UFC strap; He lost to Jan Blachowicz. Though he came back at his division and convincingly beat Marvin Vettori.

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Similarly, Whittaker worked his way back to the title and handed losses to the potential next challengers for the middleweight gold. He defeated Darren Till, Jared Cannonier, and Kelvin Gastelum.

These two fighters are undoubtedly the best middleweight in the UFC at present.

Both the fighters, according to them, have developed their games. Also, their mindset differs from the first fight. Whittaker is looking a lot composed this time around, though Adesanya keeps trying to get into his head.

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The fight will take place at the Toyota Center, in the Houston Taxes. Looking at the betting odds, the champion is the favorite at -275, whereas the Aussie challenger is an underdog at +220. Who are you picking this Saturday? Let us know in the comments section below.