‘I Know How That Book Ends’- Israel Adesanya Closes the Chapter on Potential Trilogy Fight Against Robert Whittaker
In a recent press conference, UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya talked about his future in the UFC and also discussed past and future opponents. One name that came up was his rival Robert Whittaker, from whom he won the championship belt from back in October 2019, at UFC 243.
Whittaker recently earned a rematch with Adesanya, but once again, he fell short in a much closer scrap. ‘The Reaper’ lost a decision on the cards and is now officially 0-2 against the undisputed champion. Despite the loss, Robert Whittaker is excited to claw his way back to the top and face Israel Adesanya once more for the undisputed middleweight title.
Israel Adesanya closes the door on Robert Whittaker
While Whittaker may be interested to face Adesanya for the third time, ‘The Last Stylebender’ doesn’t seem to share that same enthusiasm. Adesanya went on to admit that ‘Bobby Knuckles’ is indeed a great talent, but getting excited about a third fight just didn’t seem feasible for Adesanya.
He’s looking to move on from Whittaker and explore some ‘fresh blood’ in the division.
“He’s a great fighter,” Adesanya said at a press conference for 276 and 277. “I’ll give it to him, he’s a great fighter, but I know how that book ends. I’ve read that book twice already. First time was a quick read, second time was a little bit longer. He’s probably going to be at the top for a little while longer, but if we fight again, I know how that book ends. That’s why I’m excited about this next fight, some new blood, someone I’ve never fought before.”
Adesanya also suggested that Whittaker should move to the light heavyweight division instead of sticking around at middleweight for a title shot that may never come again.
“If he wants, he should go up to 205, see what that’s about. Maybe try that for a little bit. But yeah, I’ve read that book already, and I don’t like reading the same book over and over again.” [h/t mmafighting.com]
Whittaker has since slammed Adesanya’s suggestion to move to the 205-pound division and he’s keen to continue to motor on to face Adesanya once more.
