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
Green vs Haqparast – Round 2
Nice uppercut through the guard by Green. Haqparast then misses with a wild overhand.
Green catches a kick. He’s struggling to get his range right with his punches, too.
Green is by the fence but still in control with lots of straight punches.
Haqparast now catches a kick and lands an overhand over the top.
UFC 271: Adesanya vs Whittaker
Green vs Haqparast – Round 1
Green stumbles back as Haqparast throws a double-jab. A great one-two from Haqparast now as he’s taunted by Green.
More “Bobby” chants and Green is talking to Haqparast, but the American isn’t landing much right now.
He does find a home for a one-two then a straight shot just before the buzzer, though!
The opponents square up to one another before returning to their corners.
UFC 271: Adesanya vs Whittaker
Green vs Haqparast – Round 1
“Bobby” chants from the crowd.
We have two early pauses in the action, first for an accidental eye poke on Green and then for one on Haqparast.
Green is in a southpaw stance, Haqparast is switching.
UFC 271: Adesanya vs Whittaker
First up is a lightweight meeting between Bobby Green and Nasrat Haqparast.
This should be a fun one! Great reaction from the Houston crowd as Green reaches the Octagon.
Already he’s exchanging words with Haqparast, and referee Mike Beltran intervenes!
UFC 271: Adesanya vs Whittaker
Andrei Arlovski def. Jared Vanderaa via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28).
The same judge who scored the previous bout in favour of Modafferi seems to have scored this fight for Vanderaa.
We’ll have to keep a lookout throughout the night, because this could really influence results...
UFC 271: Adesanya vs Whittaker
Arlovski vs Vanderaa – Round 3
The heavyweights trade hooks simultaneously, with Arlovski landing more heavily.
The Belarussian narrowly misses with a front kick to the face. Vanderaa kicks to the body and legs of the former champion.
He kicks high now, but Arlovski blocks. Again Vanderaa grapples against the fence.
UFC 271: Adesanya vs Whittaker
Arlovski vs Vanderaa – Round 3
Arlovski is likely two rounds ahead as we enter the final frame. Vanderaa presses forward.
He lands a solid body kick, then grabs hold of Arlovski as the Belarussian steps in for a punch.
Vanderaa forces Arlovski against the fence yet again. The crowd boos...
UFC 271: Adesanya vs Whittaker
Arlovski vs Vanderaa – Round 2
An accidental low blow from Vanderaa sees a brief pause in the action, but we’re soon back under way.
Arlovski is largely keeping this fight at the pace he wants, but Vanderaa again grapples the former champ against the fence.
Once more, Arlovski gets free. He misses with a spinning back fist late in the round.
UFC 271: Adesanya vs Whittaker
Arlovski vs Vanderaa – Round 2
Firm right overhand counter from Arlovski as Vanderaa comes in.
Arlovski then dips into a knee, though, and Vanderaa transitions into a clinch against the fence. He’s throwing knees to Arlovski’s head and legs.
Strength on display from Arlovski to force space and get free. He flicks out a lazy front kick.
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