Since their first match, this rematch has been called for by fans and fighters, now finally materializing. Adesanya won the first bout, but Whittaker is by far the best challenger at 185 for the dynamic striker, so this promises to be a fun and technical fight.
Israel Adesanya: One of the best strikers in the sport today, Adesanya faces a rematch for his title against veteran opponent Robert Whittaker. His main key to victory is definitely to keep the fight standing and at range. Whittaker is physically stronger than him, but the champion has better legs and is more mobile.
Robert Whittaker: A rugged, dangerous fighter at close range with solid clinch game and good up-close striking, Whittaker came closer than any other to dethroning Adesanya and now looks to improve on his work in the first fight to take the belt at 185. Whether or not he can do it remains to be seen, but it's clear that his best chance is to force the fight up close and make it ugly so that Israel can’t use his dynamic movement.
Prediction: Whittaker by KO. I’m doing it, I’m pulling for the underdog. I just like Whittaker’s IQ in a rematch, and I think if he can make the fight up close and gritty, he can do what he did to Uriah Hall and shut Adesanya down.
HOW TO WATCH: Live on ESPN+ on February 19, 2022 at 10:00 PM ET.