UFC 243: Think Robert Whittaker Will Present a New Type of Challenge For Israel Adesanya? The Latter Says You’re Wrong

Over the last five years, Robert Whittaker has defeated many of the planet’s best middleweights and has secured the UFC’s 185 title. But, according to Israel Adesanya, the rugged and dangerous champ will not be a new kind of challenge for him when they fight at UFC 243.

Whittaker’s run since 2014

Since Whittaker lost via decision to welterweight Stephen Thompson in February, 2014, the Australian fighter has done nothing but win. The 28-year-old has scored victories over many of the planet’s best middleweights, as Whittaker has defeated the likes of “Jacare” Souza, Derek Brunson, Brad Tavares, and Yoel Romero twice.

Adesanya’s take on the champ’s abilities

Well, on account of his 6-0 run in the UFC to date, Adesanya has locked up a fight with Whittaker on October 5th. During a recent media call to promote the upcoming event, the vaunted striker had this take on the challenge Whittaker will present (quotes via MMA Junkie):

“He’s a guy I can pick apart easily,” Adesanya said. “A challenge I haven’t faced before? I don’t think so. He just does what he does very well. There’s only a certain amount of awkwardness that he has that I haven’t seen before, but he can try to prove me wrong. From what I see, though, I’ll pick him apart quite easily.”

“I have these attributes that I use very well, and I think what his camp might look at the last fight and think when Kelvin was able to get close,” Adesanya said. “That was just an error at our part and a good game plan on their part. But we’ve taken care of those errors. I’m going to be able to use my height and reach like I always have.”

Now, if you’ve followed both Whittaker and Adesanya, you can likely understand why the latter’s saying this. While Whittaker unquestionably has dangerous striking – just ask Souza or Brunson – his stand-up is fairly conventional. It’s important to remember that in addition to his 17-0 record in MMA, Adesanya holds a 75-5-1 record in kickboxing. So, ya. He’s seen it all when it comes to striking.

But, you have to wonder if we’re going to see some different aspects of Whittaker’s game at UFC 243. Recently his jiu-jitsu coach Alex Prates heaped praise on Whittaker’s wrestling and ground game, and he also said we could see more of it in the Adesanya fight. So, it will be interesting to see whether Whittaker can take Adesanya down, or how the champ’s offensive wrestling could impact Adesanya’s offense.

UFC 243 will be hosted by the Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, Australia.