Israel Adesanya Schools Cannonier to Retain His UFC Middleweight Title

Nigerian-born New Zealand professional mixed martial artist, kickboxer, and former boxer Iseral Adesanya defeated American UFC fighter Jared Cannonier to retain his UFC World Middleweight Championship.

The UFC276 match which held on Sunday, July 2 saw Adesanya school his American opponent, dominating all 5 rounds without facing any significant threat to his title.

According to sports publication Maca, Cannonier lacked hunger, desire to win, he never went forward with vehemence, he stayed on the edge and left much to be desired.

In the end the judges gave: all for UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya 49-46, 49-46, 50-45.

The New Zealander will now look to take on Alex Pereira who also defeated his UFC276 opponent Sean Strickland via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 2:36.

Adesanya is undefeated at 185 pounds, sitting a 12-0 in the UFC in that weight class. Prior to Sunday night, Adesanya last defeated rival Robert Whittaker at UFC 271 in February. The only loss for Adesanya’s UFC career came at UFC 259 to Jan Blachowicz.