“He’s a great fighter, I’ll give it to him. But I know how that book ends. I’ve read that book twice already. The first time was a quick read."
Follow Us
While Robert Whittaker was considerably more competitive with Israel Adesanya in their rematch earlier this year at UFC 271, a third meeting doesn’t appear to be occurring anytime soon, if at all. That’s according to the incumbent middleweight champion, who ruled out a trilogy with Whittaker during a recent UFC press conference. Adesanya is presently scheduled to defend his 185-pound title against Jared Cannonier in the main event of UFC 276 on July 2 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Adesanya said of Whittaker, “He’s a great fighter, I’ll give it to him. But I know how that book ends. I’ve read that book twice already. The first time was a quick read. The second time a little bit longer. He’s probably gonna be at the top for a while. If we fight again, I know how that book ends. That’s why I’m excited about this next fight, some new blood, someone I’ve never fought before. If [Whittaker] wants to he should go up to 205, see what that’s about, maybe try that for a little bit. I don’t like reading the same book over and over again.”
READ MORE: Twitter explodes as UFC Austin saw 8 knockouts in the 13 fight night
Cannonier, a former heavyweight and light heavyweight fighter, has won five of his six Octagon bouts since falling to 185 pounds. While Adesanya is eager to face a new opponent, he does not consider Cannonier to be his most tough opponent. Indeed, he anticipates a long night for “The Killa Gorilla” on July 2. Adesanya said, “Everyone’s a tough challenger. He still carries that strength around, so I can’t overlook him. But I don’t think he’s the toughest challenger. I really think I will make it look easy. It’s gonna be fun. It’s gonna look a lot like the [Paulo] Costa fight.”
Stephen Thompson declines the quick turnaround fight and wants Usman next.
