Kiwis chases Whitakker

NEW Zealand’s Israel Adesanya has closed in on a potential trans-Tasman UFC middleweight title showdown with Australian Robert Whittaker, with a unanimous decision points win over legendary Brazilian Anderson Silva yesterday. The threeround fight at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena, between sixth-ranked Adesanya and 15th rated former champion Silva, was elevated to main event status, after a severe abdominal injury forced champion Whittaker to withdraw from his title defence against No.1 contender Kelvin Gastelum. Nigerian-born Aucklandbased Adesanya, who has a 16-0 MMA record, added to his growing reputation.

Two judges scored the fight 30-27 to Adesanya and the third had it 29-28.