Rob Whittaker has once again proved why is one of the best middleweights in the world, stopping Jared Cannonier’s undefeated run at middleweight.
The former champion looked as good as he ever has, picking up a unanimous decision win in a fight that would have had fight fans on the edge of their seat.
Whittaker’s movement and accuracy of his jab left Cannonier unable to land any of the power shots that have served him so well in the past.
Cannonier continually chopped the lead leg of Whittaker, but it was not enough as Whittaker clearly outstruck him in a fight that stayed predominantly on the feet.
Whittaker dropped Cannonier in the third with a head kick that clearly stunned him. Whittaker rushed in for the finish before eventually following Cannonier to the mat and controlling him on the ground.
Rob puts down Cannonier!
Is the end near?! #UFC254 pic.twitter.com/XECqS2wfRz
— UFC_AUSNZ (@UFC_AUSNZ) October 24, 2020
Cannonier proved to be extremely durable as he got back to his feet and hurt Whittaker towards the end of the third round. Whittaker proved his championship smarts, clinching with Cannonier before the bell rang to end the fight.
“I’m very happy its all over,” Whittaker said in his post-fight interview with Jon Anik.
“He’s tough, he’s resilient, I thought I had him gone. It was a tough fight he’s a tough guy.”
The win is Whittaker’s second on Fight Island after defeating Darren Till back in July.
The win brings Whittaker’s professional record to 23-6. It is Whittaker’s second win since losing the middleweight title to Israel Adesanya.
Jacob Malkoun stopped in the first-round at UFC 254 in Abu Dhabi
Whittaker’s training partner Jacob Malkoun was on the wrong side of a devastating KO when making his debut at UFC 254. Phil Hawes scored the second-fastest middleweight UFC debut ever, knocking Malkoun out in just 18-seconds the first round.
WOW 😱
That is one impressive debut by @PhillipHawes5! He finishes Malkoun early! #UFC254 #InAbuDhabi @VisitAbuDhabi pic.twitter.com/kpiuKj0FMT
— UFC_AUSNZ (@UFC_AUSNZ) October 24, 2020
Hawes came out extremely aggressive, marching Malkoun up against the cage landing a right hand and then a left hook that knocked out the Aussie.
The loss is Malkoun’s first in MMA and brings his record to 4-1.
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