UFC 271 LIVE: Adesanya vs Whittaker stream, fight card, latest updates and results tonight
The middleweight title was on the line in the main event, as rivals took part in a long-awaited rematch
Nearly two-and-a-half years after they first clashed in the Octagon, Israel Adesanya and Robert Whittaker will go head-to-head for the UFC middleweight title again this evening.
In October 2019, Adesanya’s meteoric rise through the 185lbs division culminated in the then-interim champion’s victory over Whittaker in Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium, as the biggest crowd in UFC history watched their home fighter get knocked out in the second round to surrender his belt. For Whittaker, the pressure of a seismic fight against his antagonistic foe in front of more than 57,000 fans – as well as the Australia vs New Zealand narrative – proved too much, and the defending champion was unusually reckless as he was outfought by Nigerian-born Adesanya.
Whittaker has fought and won three times since then, navigating a tough route back to Adesanya, who has competed four times since beating the “Reaper”. While Whittaker recorded impressive wins against Darren Till, Jared Cannonier and Kelvin Gastelum, there were three successful title defences for Adesanya – against Yoel Romero, Paulo Costa and Marvin Vettori – though he suffered a first professional loss in unsuccessfully challenging for the light heavyweight belt last year. Finally, Adesanya and Whittaker rematch at UFC 271 in Houston, Texas tonight, where Derrick Lewis competes in front of a home crowd in his co-main event against fellow heavyweight Tai Tuivasa.
There is also a meeting between middleweight contenders Cannonier and Derek Brunson, with the winner of that contest potentially next for the victor of the main event.
Re-live all the action from UFC 271, below.
UFC 271: Adesanya vs Whittaker
Next up, Roxanne Modafferi vs Casey O’Neill at women’s flyweight.
This is fan favourite Modafferi’s final bout before retiring.
UFC 271: Adesanya vs Whittaker
Kyler Phillips def. Marcelo Rojo via third-round submission (arm bar, 1:48).
UFC 271: Adesanya vs Whittaker
Phillips vs Rojo – Round 3
Phillips’ kicks appear to have done more damage; there is serious swelling on Rojo’s left shin. His corner ice it ahead of this final round. Former flyweight champion Brandon Moreno is among Rojo’s team.
Rojo presses forward early in this frame regardless. He stuffs a takedown attempt, but Phillips keeps working and gets it eventually.
Philllips is in mount and looking for a triangle... he opts for an arm bar instead and GETS THE SUBMISSION!
UFC 271: Adesanya vs Whittaker
Phillips vs Rojo – Round 2
Rojo was largely fighting on the back foot in the first round but tries to press forward now.
Phillips retaliates with a jumping knee into a jab, both of which are blocked.
Rojo kicks low several times, and eventually Phillips returns in kind. He tries a combination up top but to little avail, then Rojo finds success with his own combo.
UFC 271: Adesanya vs Whittaker
Phillips vs Rojo – Round 1
Again the pair hit the canvas with Phillips on top, landing elbows. Rojo tries for an arm bar with a few seconds left on the clock in the first round, but Phillips escapes.
UFC 271: Adesanya vs Whittaker
Phillips vs Rojo – Round 1
The men trade simultaneous, hard low kicks at once.
Phillips is light on his feet, he catches Rojo on the end of a right straight.
Again the bantamweights trade leg kicks at the same time, with Rojo hitting the canvas but bouncing back up.
Phillips shoots for a takedown, but it’s stuffed. He then tries a spinning heel kick; he has to be careful about wasting energy here, he was too close for that shot.
Phillips drives Rojo to the fence and takes his back, jumping up and looking for a rear naked choke! The pair fall to the mat and Phillips transitions into full-guard.
Good work from Rojo to escape and stand up against the cage.
UFC 271: Adesanya vs Whittaker
Next up is a bantamweight bout between Kyler Phillips and Marcelo Rojo.
UFC 271: Adesanya vs Whittaker
Carlos Ulberg def. Fabio Cherant via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).
As expected! A promising showing from Ulberg.
UFC 271: Adesanya vs Whittaker
Cherant vs Ulberg – Round 3
It’s all forward pressure from Ulberg in this third and final round.
He kicks low then high, keeping Cherant on edge. Lots of feints with the hands from Ulberg, too.
He fires a spiteful right hook into the stomach of Cherant. A couple of grazing left hooks to the head now by Ulberg, as Cherant presses forward.
Ulberg just rolls under some big shots from his opponent before taking him down!
Ulberg will be content to hold Cherant here for the final 30 seconds or so.
UFC 271: Adesanya vs Whittaker
Cherant vs Ulberg – Round 2
Eugene Bareman, head coach of Adesanya, gives Ulberg advice between rounds.
Cherant takes the centre of the ring, but Ulberg circles around and reverses the position.
Great check left hook by Ulberg! Cherant winces but fires back with a left straight as he runs forward.
Stern jab from Ulberg and a couple of front kicks to the body. He has Cherant against the fence and lands another stinging jab.
Ulberg is bouncing, nodding at his opponent and switching stances.
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