Israel Adesanya on Robert Whittaker Trilogy: “I know how that book ends”
UFC middleweight champion, Israel Adesanya, spoke to media yesterday at a UFC 276 and 277 press conference. During the press conference, Adesanya was asked about a potential trilogy bout with “Bobby Knuckles” Robert Whittaker and seemed to have no real interest in the bout.
“Bobby, he’s a great fighter, 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 a little bit longer. But, I mean, he’s probably gonna be at the top for a while, but if we fight again, I know how that book ends.”
“I don’t like reading the same book over and over again,” Adesanya continued.
Check out the full press conference below:
The talk of a trilogy bout between Adesanya and Whittaker comes before their respective returns to the octagon. In just nine days, Adesanya (22-1-0) will look to defend his title against #2 ranked middleweight, Jared Cannonier. While Whittaker (23-6-0) is scheduled to defend his #1 spot against Marvin Vettori in September.
Despite Adesanya defeating Whittaker twice, if both men win their upcoming bouts it may just be the fight to make. Given that both would have practically defeated most of the top 15 middleweights.
There is, of course, Sean Strickland vs. Alex Pereira coming up at UFC 276, which might present a fresh challenge for Adesanya, but nevertheless, there is not much left for him in the middleweight division.
The way I see it is if Adesanya comes out victorious on September 2nd, he can take on the Whittaker vs. Vetorri winner (both of which he has already defeated), the Strickland vs. Pereira winner, or make another attempt at light-heavyweight gold.
What would you like to see next for “Adesanya following UFC 276?
