Lawrence is Brit special

Whittaker tipped to edge it

to close the distance will be tested by Adesanya’s pinpoint counter striking, which he used to devastating effect in his five-round war with Kelvin Gastelum in April.

The 30-year-old’s title-winning performance blew away Bisping, who said: “His last fight with Kelvin Gastelum was incredible. So I’m very, very much looking forward to the fight.

“It’s a tremendous fight. I’m

amassive fan of Israel Adesanya and a massive fan of Robert Whittaker. They’re both incredible fighters.

“It’s a shame I never got to fight Robert. We were matched up a couple of times but it never happened.

“Adesanya is great in the cage and outside of the cage.

“He’s hilarious, he’s a character. I’ve got a lot of respect for both of them.” LONDON City Royals boss Lloyd Gardner believes the BBL is about to find out how good guard Andrew Lawrence really is.

The Great Britain star returned home this summer after playing in some of the world’s top leagues, in Croatia, Spain, France and Italy.

Lawrence, 29, has made an immediate impact on a Royals squad that has started the campaign with consecutive BBL cup wins. Gardner said: “I read and hear things about Andrew but people don’t have a clue how good he is.

“He has played in the ACB in Spain but he’s also played in leagues that don’t get that sort of publicity.

“So his name is not put up there as one of the best ever British players. But it should be. That’s how good he is.”

Lawrence had an 19 point, 12 rebound outing in the Royals’ weekend battering of the Bristol Flyers and will be the man the London Lions have to stop in Saturday’s BBL Cup derby.