UFC: Nigeria’s Israel Adesanya defeats Vettori to retain middleweight title

Nigeria’s Israel Adesanya has retained his Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) middleweight belt, after defeating Marvin Vettori on Sunday.

The ‘Style Bender’ won the fight at the Gila River Arena in Arizona via a unanimous decision – (50-45, 50-45, 50-45).

It is the second time both fighters faced themselves in the UFC.

Adesanya emerged victorious the first time via split decision in April 2018.

It was Adesanya’s first fight since he failed to snatch the light heavyweight title from Jan Blachowicz in March this year.

He earlier promised to floor Vettori in the second round, but the fight finished in Round five.

Vettori was attempting to make history, by dethroning Adesanya to become Italy’s first UFC titleholder.

Vettori, ranked third in the division, has won five straight bouts leading into this championship tussle.