The former champions competed in the main and co-main event fights Saturday night from Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island. The entire event aired lived on ESPN and streamed on ESPN+.
Whittaker withstood a game effort by Darren Till, earning a five-round decision.
Rua, meanwhile, bested Antonio Rogerio Nogueira for the third time. Nogueira confirmed plans to retire following the fight.
Check out a complete recap from FightLine of the event along with post-fight interviews with Whittaker, Rua and others below.
Robert Whittaker
Former UFC middleweight champion and #1 contender Robert Whittaker was all smiles after his unanimous decision win over Darren Till in the main event at Fight Island 3 on Saturday.
Mauricio “Shogun” Rua
Mauricio “Shogun” Rua reacts to defeating Lil Nog in their trilogy matchup at Fight Island 3 via split decision. Rua moves to 3-0 in the rivalry that spanned over 15 years.
Antonio Rogerio Nogueira
Antônio Rogério Nogueira, known as “Lil Nog,’ to fans all around the world believes his trilogy fight with Shogun Rua on Saturday was his final time in the Octagon.
The UFC veteran put together an impressive near 20-year career that saw memorable appearances in Deep, PRIDE FC and Affliction before signing with the UFC in 2009.
Fabricio Werdum
Former UFC heavyweight champion Fabricio Werdum shares his thoughts after rebounding with a submission win over Alexander Gustafsson at Fight Island 3.
Carla Esparza
Former UFC strawweight champion Carla Esparza won her fourth fight in a row with a split decision win over Marina Rodriguez on Saturday.
Khamzat Chimaev
Khamzat Chimaev set the UFC record for quickest turnaround between wins at Fight Island 3 on Saturday.
Ten days ago Chimaev defeated John Phillips via submission, and on Saturday defeated Rhys Mckee via TKO.