Israel Adesanya vs Marvin Vettori — Fight recap

Israel Adesanya retained his middleweight title over Marvin Vettori via unanimous decision after five rounds on June 12, 2021, in a rematch that saw the champion reassert his striking superiority. Adesanya landed 96 of 181 significant strikes (53 percent) while Vettori managed just 58 of 176 (32 percent), with the champion's leg kicks proving particularly effective—connecting on 41 of 43 attempts.

Vettori's wrestling provided occasional control, securing four takedowns and accumulating 6:55 of cage control, but Adesanya's superior volume and precision on the feet dominated the decision calculus. The champion attempted no takedowns and spent minimal time on his back (0:36 control), instead dictating range with his striking arsenal, particularly his leg kicks and head strikes (44 landed).

Referee Marc Goddard scored the bout unanimously for the Last Stylebender, cementing his place atop the middleweight division and suggesting Vettori would need a significant tactical adjustment for a potential trilogy.