Israel Adesanya had previously met with Marvin Vettori in April 2018, when the Nigerian-born claimed a split-decision victory over the Italian in Adesanya Kiwi’s second UFC bout.

Adesanya in Saturday night’s rematch, showed his class with a virtuoso performance as he picked apart Vettori over the full five-round championship duration at the Gila River Arena.

Although Vettori aggressively started the bout and landed an early takedown, the 31-year-old Nigerian soon settled into his work and dominated the striking exchanges, using repeated kicks to Vettori’s lead leg to redress the challenger from range.

Adesanya’s control of the bout caused a lot of amazement in Vettori’s corner between rounds, as coach Rafael Cordeiro implored his man to be more aggressive in his pursuit of the takedown.

All hopes were lost for the Italian as he had no answer for the champion, who looked in complete control. The Nigerian cruised to a shutout decision victory with all three judges scoring the bout 50-45 in his favour.

Adesanya, after the official announcement of the result, dedicated his victory to his teammate Fau Vake, who died in May from injuries sustained in an alleged attack in Auckland, New Zealand.

He said, “I just want to say Fau Vake, Fau Vake, Fau Vake, I love you, man… This fight I dedicate to you, Fau.”

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