Image via Jeff Bottari/ Zuffa LLC via Getty Images //
Need to get another shot at middleweight…
In one of the most tactical fights to take place at Fight Island, Sydney-star Robert Whittaker did the nation proud over the weekend, coming out on top against UFC rising star Darren Till. The bout marked the first time Whittaker had fought since losing the middleweight championship to Israel Adesanya back in October of last year, but this time the result was very different.
After a dangerous elbow in the first round that dropped him to the canvas, Whittaker quickly recovered and adapted on the fly, keeping Till at bay with his scary right hand. The second round is where Whittaker truly found his stride, finally connecting with the right hand as he planted Till onto the canvas and went to work with the ground and pound.
The fight continued on with various feints and leg kicks from the former champ, with both fighters connecting with serious shots that proved the fight to be one of the closest Fight Island had ever seen. Speaking after the match, Whittaker said “I tell you what, that fight was so stressful. Honestly, I hope the fans and everybody can appreciate it because that, to me, was one of my most technical fights. … I had to really adapt on the go.”
The shot by @darrentill2 that dropped Whittaker in the first round 😬 #UFCFightIsland3 pic.twitter.com/IMrgpK8fgi
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) July 26, 2020
Luckily, all three judges scored the fight for Whittaker by 48-47. When asked if he was vying for a rematch against Adesanya for the middleweight title, Whittaker confessed “Honestly, I want to go home to my babies and my wife.” After a fight as technical as that, it’s safe to say he deserves a little time off.
After a slick dodge, @darrentill2 landed a few cracking shots 💥 #UFCFightIsland3 pic.twitter.com/kYxR82dZ6P
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) July 26, 2020
The co-main event also saw Mauricio “Shogun” Rua defeat longtime rival Antonia Rogerio Nogueira in a unanimous decision. Although the two are extremely familiar with each others fighting styles, Rua’s solid striking game mixed with his wrestling skills was too much for 44-year-old Nogueira to handle. The fight card also saw Brazilian star Fabricio Werdum take out Swedish juggernaut Alexander Gustafsson at heavyweight with a first-round submission.
Can't count out Vai Cavalo!@FabricioWerdum submits Alexander Gustafsson in the first round 💪 #UFCFightIsland3 pic.twitter.com/LSUMdldYjV
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) July 26, 2020
