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As it happenedended1570350825

UFC 243 result – Adesanya finishes Whittaker for middleweight title: Stream, updates, undercard results and more from Melbourne

Undefeated challenger dethroned Australian champion with a second-round knockout in the evening's main event

Alex Pattle
Sunday 06 October 2019 05:46 BST
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UFC 243 saw Australian middleweight champion Robert Whittaker (20-5) dethroned in front of a home crowd as Israel Adesanya (18-0) remained undefeated and took the title.

Interim champion Adesanya finished the fight at 3:33 of the second round, catching Whittaker with consecutive hooks to make the Aussie's return to the ring after a 16-month absence an unsuccessful one.

In the co-main event of the evening, New Zealand's Dan Hooker defeated Al Iaquinta via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26).

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How can I watch it?

The event will be shown live on BT Sport 1, the BT Sport App and BTSport.com for subscribers.

Prediction

Both Whittaker and Adesanya are incredibly versatile and dangerous, and the odds show this one is a ‘pick ‘em’. The tall, rangy Adesanya is in the form of his life, having remarkably fought and won six times in just over a year since entering the UFC, and Whittaker’s last bout – 16 months ago – saw the Aussie take a lot of damage in his second consecutive win over middleweight monster Yoel Romero.

That said, Gastelum – despite a distinct height and reach disadvantage – was able to land regularly and heavily on Adesanya earlier this year, and should have finished ‘The Last Stylebender’.

Whittaker still has a shorter reach and height than his challenger this weekend, but not as severely as Gastelum. ‘The Reaper’ is also quicker and more well-rounded than Gastelum. Given Gastelum was able to damage ‘Stylebender’ as much as he did when the pair met, the experienced Whittaker should be able to inflict enough of an assault on his opponent to leave Marvel Stadium with his belt still around his waist.

Expect a war, though.

When is UFC 243?

The preliminary card starts at 12am (BST), followed by the main card at 3am (BST), with the main event fight expected to begin at around 5:30am.

How can I watch it?

The event will be shown live on BT Sport 1, the BT Sport App and BTSport.com for subscribers.

Full card

Robert Whittaker (c) vs. Israel Adesanya (ic) – middleweight championship

Al Iaquinta vs. Dan Hooker

Tai Tuivasa vs. Serghei Spivac

Luke Jumeau vs. Dhiego Lima

Justin Tafa vs. Yorgan De Castro

Prelims

Jake Matthews vs. Rostam Akman

Callan Potter vs. Maki Pitolo

Megan Anderson vs. Zarah Fairn Dos Santos

Brad Riddell vs. Jamie Mullarkey

Nadia Kassem vs. Ji Yeon Kim

Khalid Taha vs Bruno Silva

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Iaquinta knows he needs a finish. He's happy to take a few shots here to get in close and land on Hooker.

Alex Pattle6 October 2019 04:57
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Every time Iaquinta lands, Hooker manages to find a jab of his own. Thirty seconds left and a leg kick from the Kiwi buckles Iaquinta's leg yet again.

Alex Pattle6 October 2019 05:00
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The buzzer sounds and that's looking like a unanimous decision win for Hooker.

Alex Pattle6 October 2019 05:01
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Dan Hooker def. Al Iaquinta via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26).

Very impressive performance from the New Zealander. Nasty leg kicks throughout the fight put the Kiwi out of sight and Iaquinta was simply playing catch-up. There was even a 10-8 round for Hooker on one of the judge's scorecards.

Hooker calls out Dustin Poirier, saying "I'm gonna smash your face in!"

That would be a fun fight...

Alex Pattle6 October 2019 05:03
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The main event is up next. I can tell you, this writer's heart is beating pretty fast right now. This one could be a screamer.

Alex Pattle6 October 2019 05:07
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Robert Whittaker (20-4) versus Israel Adesanya (17-0).

Middleweight champion versus interim middleweight champion.

Aussie versus Kiwi in Melbourne.

Alex Pattle6 October 2019 05:09
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There's a Haka-inspired dance routine ahead of Adesanya's entrance.

The Nigerian-born New Zealander looks relaxed, and even joins the dance!

He's evidently confident. Expect a more no-nonsense entrance from Whittaker...

Alex Pattle6 October 2019 05:11
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Adesanya shadow boxes as Whittaker's entrance music sounds.

As expected, there are no dance routines from the champion as he makes his way to the ring.

He looks absolutely pumped off the energy of the Melbourne crowd.

Alex Pattle6 October 2019 05:16
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Whittaker, 28, stands at six foot with a reach of 73 inches.

Adesanya, 30, is six foot four with an 80-inch reach.

Bruce Buffer is making the introductions now.

Alex Pattle6 October 2019 05:19
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"IT'S TIMEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!" screams Buffer in trademark fashion.

This is a pro-Whittaker crowd, evidenced by the boos ringing down on 'The Last Stylebender' Adesanya.

And the rousing reception for Whittaker, of course.

Alex Pattle6 October 2019 05:21

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