Harry How/Getty Photos
Israel Adesanya is taking over a brand new problem in his first battle of 2021.
Israel Adesanya’s bid to change into a two-weight UFC champion has been locked in with the middleweight king set to fulfill light-heavyweight title-holder Jan Blachowicz on March 6 (March 7 NZ time).
UFC president Dana White revealed the information on ESPN, revealing the ‘superfight’ will happen at UFC 259.
A location has but to be introduced for the pay-per-view occasion, which additionally options the ladies’s featherweight title bout between champion Amanda Nunes and Megan Anderson.
Adesanya (20-) is coming off one other spectacular yr the place he defended the middleweight belt twice, recording a unanimous decision over Yoel Romero in March earlier than a dominant second-round TKO against Brazilian rival Paulo Costa in September.
READ MORE:
* Israel Adesanya blazing his own trail to greatness, says UFC boss Dana White
* Stuff’s biggest sporting heroes of 2020
* UFC champion Israel Adesanya calls on Jacinda Ardern to make counsellors more available at Covid facilities
Having knocked out present No 1-ranked middleweight Robert Whittaker to unify the division in October 2019, and with no contemporary challengers in a position to stake a declare for a title shot, the Nigerian-Kiwi sought a new challenge by moving up a weight class.
It did not take lengthy for White to come back round to the concept, with the bout within the works for the final two months because the camps labored by way of negotiations.
Handout
Jan Blachowicz will probably be making his first defence of the UFC light-heavyweight title.
Support authors and subscribe to content
This is premium stuff. Subscribe to read the entire article.
