The UFC Middleweight Champion returns to the octagon after one year, as Robert Whittaker will put his title on the line against UFC Interim Middleweight Champion Israel Adesanya.
Whittaker’s last bout saw the New Zealand native defeat Yoel Romero at UFC 225 in impressive fashion. The middleweight was originally set to fight Kelvin Gastelum back in February; however, he was forced to pull out due to a serious situation that required him to have major surgery. Whittaker is on a 9-fight win streak, as the Middleweight Champion hasn’t lost a bout since 2014. His professional MMA record stands at 20 wins and 4 losses.
Whittaker’s opponent, Israel Adesanya, enters the octagon undefeated. The Nigeria native earned his opportunity to fight Whittaker by winning the Interim Middleweight Championship back at UFC 236 over Kelvin Gastelum via unanimous decision. Adesanya’s current MMA record stands at 17 wins and no losses.
UFC 243 takes place on Saturday, October 5 from the Docklands Stadium in Melbourne, Australia with Robert Whittaker and Israel Adesanya headlining.