The Kiwi sensation is back in the Octagon.
Fan favourite, Israel Adesanya is back to defend his middleweight title, when he headlines the UFC 263 card with challenger, Marvin Vettori.
The two are a surprise package, with many expecting Australia, Rob Whittaker to accept a rematch against the Kiwi in a bid to win his previous belt back, however the UFC has spoken after Whittaker turned down the fight, and Marvin Vettori will take that spot.
This won’t be the first time the two meet, with an encounter in April 2018 setting Adesanya on his upwards trajectory from there. In the first fight, Adesanya came out on top in what was just his second promotional appearance. The Kiwi defeated Vettori by split decision and went on his way to further his career and build the name and reputation he has today.
Going on to win the interim UFC middleweight championship against Kelvin Gastelum, he defeated Aussie, Robert Whittaker to unify the title. Defending his title against Yoel Romero and Paulo Costa, before looking for more glory by jumping up a division to attempt to claim the light heavyweight title and a dual division champ status. This dream was stopping in its tracks by big man, Jan Blachowicz.
Meanwhile, Vettori has been on a different path to get his shot at UFC 263. Going unbeaten since the loss to Adesanya, with victories over Cezar Ferreira, Andrew Sanchez, Karl Roberson, Jack Hermansson and most recently, Kevin Holland.
It’ll be a redemption fight for Vettori, looking to once again, who’ll get a glimpse of the glory of being a division champion. Adesanya will be looking to shut it down, and continue his run as one of the greatest middleweight fighters we’ve seen in recent years.
Co-headlining the card, we’ll see another belt defence. Flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo will face off against Brandon Moreno in yet another rematch. The two went to a majority draw in their previous meeting at UFC 265 in December 2020. The draw meant Figueiredo retained his title, and the two ramped back into training, knowing the rematch date would be set.
The card is rounded out with Demian Maia, winning three of his past four fights, who’ll take on Belal Muhammad in what will be his last fight he’s contracted to the UFC for. Plus Paul Craig, who is unbeaten in his past four bouts takes on Jamahal Hill in a battle of the light heavyweights.
Watch all the action at the Official Home of UFC, live and free.
MAIN CARD
Middleweight Title Bout
Israel Adesanya vs Marvin Vettori
Flyweight Title Bout
Deiveson Figueiredo vs Brandon Moreno
UNDER CARD
Lightweight Bout
Drew Dober vs Brad Riddell
Welterweight Bout
Demian Maia vs Belal Muhammad