Adesanya to defendUFC belt against Cannonier
New Zealand UFC star Israel Adesanya will defend his middleweight title against Jared Cannonier in Las Vegas on July 3.
The fight was announced during UFC 274 action in Phoenix, Arizona last weekend.
The fight against American Cannonier has been in prospect since Adesanya’s last win in a rematch with Robert Whittaker in mid-February.
July 3 could be a huge day in New Zealand combat sports with top heavyweight boxer Joseph Parker expected to fight Britain’s Joe Joyce in London on the same date.
Adsanya versus Cannonier will be part of a championship doubleheader at UFC 276 with Alexander Volkanovski v Max Holloway fighting for the featherweight title.
The promotion will also be part of ‘‘International Fight Week’’.
Adesanya, 11-0 in the UFC middleweight division, will defend his belt for the fifth time against Cannonier who enters his first title shot having won five of his last six fights.
‘‘The division is filled with killers, but I’m looking forward to fresh meat,’’ Adesanya said after beating Whittaker for a second time and looking at Cannonier who had fought on the same card then.
‘‘He [Cannonier] made a statement. I even told him after the weigh-in, not the ceremonial one, I said, ‘Please, take this guy out, so I can get some fresh meat. He said, ‘Bro, I’m trying to work.’ I said, ‘Me, too.’ So I’m aman of my word.’’
Cannonier, 38, has fought at heavyweight and lightheavyweight and has a 15-5 record.