5 reasons why Robert Whittaker is more skilled than Israel Adesanya
Robert Whittaker is a former UFC middleweight champion and, in the eyes of most spectators, the second-best mixed martial artist in his division. Despite his two losses to reigning middleweight kingpin Israel Adesanya, with the second defeat being especially controversial with many observers believing Whittaker won the rematch, 'The Reaper' has continued to improve in a bid to one day recapture UFC gold.
Last Saturday, Whittaker faced Marvin Vettori in the co-main event of UFC Paris, dominating 'The Italian Dream' in a manner never witnessed before. While Robert Whittaker might not be a better fighter than Adesanya, he has made a strong case for himself to be considered more skilled than his Nigerian rival. Adesanya is certainly a more effective fighter due to his spotless record at middleweight, but Whittaker may very well be the more skillful of the two.
Thus, in honor of Robert Whittaker's stellar performance against Marvin Vettori, a mutual opponent of theirs, this list details five reasons why 'The Reaper' is a more skilled mixed martial artist than 'The Last Stylebender'.
#5. Robert Whittaker has fared better against mutual opponents
Israel Adesanya and Robert Whittaker have a large number of opponents in common. Both fighters faced Marvin Vettori, Kelvin Gastelum, Derek Brunson, Yoel Romero, Jared Cannonier and Brad Tavares at different points. While Adesanya defeated Brunson decisively, his other wins were not as clear-cut. The Nigerian squeeked past Kelvin Gastelum in a razor-thin decision win, while his other conquests were convincing but not dominant affairs.
Meanwhile, Robert Whittaker dominated every single foe they shared in common. He completely outclassed Vettori and Gastelum in a way that forced both fighters, who thought they were victorious against Adesanya, to reflect on the difference in skills between themselves and Whittaker, with Gastelum stating that he'd never been as dominant as he was in his loss to 'The Reaper'.
Vettori, who often disagrees with the judges' verdict, had nothing but praise for Whittaker's performance.
Vettori on the vs. Vettori on the ground ground against against Whittaker. Adesanya. https://t.co/s06Pt0bMGS
Similarly, the Australian KO'd Brad Tavares in the first round, while Adesanya took him to a unanimous decision. Even Derek Brunson, against whom both men earned KO/TKOs, was finished faster by Robert Whittaker. Jared Cannonier, their most recent foe in common, was more thoroughly beaten by the Australian, who rocked and wobbled him, while Adesanya merely outpointed him with jabs and low kicks from long range.