Adesanya outpoints Silva
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 three-round 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 with a strong showing against Silva.
In the first round, 29-yearold Adesanya landed several kicks and right hands. Silva, 43, fighting for the first time in two years, showed some flashy moves, but fired little back.
Silva enjoyed some success in a more competitive second round, nailing the younger man with some punches.
But a patient Adesanya, who like his opponent, also displayed some showboating, dominated the third, peppering the Brazilian’s face with punches as the veteran sometimes held his hands low.
Two judges scored the fight 30-27 to Adesanya and the third had it 29-28.
Silva said it was the equivalent of facing Michael Jordan in basketball.
The winner was in line to be the next challenger to Whittaker.