UFC 271 was a resounding success for the promotion, recording a $4.11 million gate. Not only that, but it also broke the attendance record at the Honda Center in Houston, Texas. Much of the credit for these numbers go to the bout that ended the night, Israel Adesanya vs Robert Whittaker 2.
A much closer fought rematch, the fight had a little bit of everything. Leg kicks, body strikes, strikes that rocked the fighters, and some fiery takedowns. But the middleweight champion stood tall at the end of it all, and still the champion. And a third fight to make the trilogy complete is not an absurd idea, at least according to Robert Whittaker.
Adesanya is in no hurry
While Whittaker maintains that a third fight is inevitable, Adesanya had to say this about what the same. Describing what went down after the fight, Izzy clarified that any such assumptions on Robert’s part are not written down in stone.
“I said maybe. I said you rack up some good wins and I’m sure I’ll see you down the line.”
He was quick to add that it is not a binding statement of any sort and made more in pacifist jest.
“I say that to kind of like just, you know, pat him on the butt. Ah, good job kid. We’ll see.”
The 32-year old went on to sing the middleweight division’s praises and how it wasn’t lacking for worthy challengers.
“The division is filled with killers. I’m looking forward to fresh meat.”
Israel Adesanya and Robert Whittaker’s relationship
On being prompted to elaborate on their exchange after their fight, The Last Stylebender reiterated an unapologetic statement that sums up the relationship of the 2 greats.
“I don’t like you, you don’t like me, but I respect you. He said the same thing.”
Whittaker however, aired a wholesome fantasy.
“I’m sure in another life we would be friends.”
To which an in-character Izzy replied,
“Maybe.”
Perhaps a final and third match would be the ideal closer to this storied chapter between two middleweight all-timers. And it remains to be seen how Whittaker bounces back from this and how much higher Adesanya’s bandwagon scales after such utter domination.