The UFC is nearing the final hurdles for the middleweight rematch between champion Israel Adesanya and Marvin Vettori.
In particular, the rematch between the two middleweights will headline the UFC 263 card scheduled for April 17. The news was first reported by UFC president Dana White. After a failed attempt at a second title, Adesanya is returning to his natural weight and will look to fend off another challenger. While the two fought a couple of years ago, the champion came out on top in a nail-biter performance.
Israel Adesanya Vs. Marvin Vettori Finalized For UFC 263
The 31-year old African-born champion failed to beat Jan Blachowicz for the light heavyweight title but took the champion to a five-round decision. Prior to the pairing, Vettori recently took on Kevin Holland on short notice after his initial opponent fell out. Despite it not being the most spectacular performance, the Italian contender proved that he belonged in the top echelon of the weight division.
The 27-year old Vettori is on a five-fight win streak. Specifically, along the way up to the title, Vettori’s last three wins were eye-opening performances. Vettori submitted Karl Roberson after a wild scramble, and then he shocked the world when he beat Jack Hermansson by a unanimous decision. After the fight with Holland, and a five-fight win streak intact, it’s clear Vettori is a big player at middleweight.
UFC 263 is currently sitting with two championship fights, so the event will be a big one.
With the addition of Israel Adesanya Vs. Marvin Vettori, here are the fights scheduled for June 15:
- Israel Adesanya vs. Marvin Vettori [C]
- Deiveson. Figueiredo vs. Brandon Moreno [C]
- Hakeem Dawodu vs. Movsar Evloev
- Paul Craig vs. Jamahal Hill
- Lauren Murphy vs. Joanne Calderwood
- Demian Maia vs. Belal Muhammad
- Carlos Felipe vs. Jake Collier
- Fares Ziam vs. Luigi Vendramini
- Karol Rosa vs. Sijara Eubanks
- Matt Frevola vs. Frank Camacho
- Drew Dober vs. Brad Riddell
Who is your early pick between Israel Adesanya and Marvin Vettori? Let us know in the comment section below!