Israel Adesanya Suffers First Loss In MMA Career
After amassing a perfect 20-0 record, the reigning middleweight king finally met his match with the move up to light-heavyweight, as Jan Blachowicz (28-8) defended his title via unanimous decision.
The opening three rounds were very close, though Adesanya appeared to get better of the Polish powerhouse, showing a clear speed advantage against the heavier fighter.
However, the judges saw it differently. And with Blachowicz taking control during the final two rounds on the back of his grappling, all three officials awarded the bout his way, 49-46, 49-45 and 49-45.
Having held the middleweight belt since October 2019, Adesanya was attempting to become just the fifth fighter in UFC history to hold two titles in two separate divisions at the same time.
It was always a risk going up against a much heavier opponent, who had won eight of his last nine bouts on the way to the top, and the Nigerian-Kiwi star took the loss in his stride.
“Yeah, it didn’t go exactly the way I wanted it to go, but, you know … dare to be great,” he said in the octagon.
“You know, the critics are the ones on the sidelines but I’m the one putting it on the line.”
Despite an almost 10kg difference between middleweight and light-heavyweight, Adesanya opted not to bulk up for the fight and weighed-in 2kg lighter than Blachowicz.
Asked if he regretted that decision, Adesanya said: “Never. Never.
“That was just my legs being fatigued. I don’t know what from. I’ll have to watch the tape. I knew what to do and I was trying to do it
“The size did play a factor but my technique could have been a lot finer. It was like a bad day in the gym except it’s in the office tonight.”
Adesanya’s middleweight title was not on the line on Sunday and while he has unfinished business at light-heavyweight, ‘The Last Stylebender’ plans to head back down for his next assignment.
Blachowicz, who defended his title for the first time, said the victory was the most satisfying of his career.
“If I had knocked him out it would’ve been better but, anyway, I love this win because he’s one of the best in the world. Now I’m going to be one of the best in the world,” Blachowicz said.
“I’m the first one to defeat him.”
