Israel Adesanya vs Robert Whittaker — Fight recap

Israel Adesanya retained his middleweight title with a unanimous decision over Robert Whittaker across five rounds on February 12, 2022, with referee Herb Dean officiating. Adesanya landed 79 significant strikes at 46% accuracy while scoring one knockdown, demonstrating superior striking precision despite Whittaker's wrestling aggression.

Whittaker connected on 59 significant strikes at 43% and secured four of ten takedown attempts for 40% success, accumulating 3:40 of control time compared to Adesanya's minimal 0:01. The fight played out as a classic striker versus grappler matchup, with Adesanya controlling the distance through leg strikes—landing 29 of 38—and head strikes, while Whittaker consistently shot for takedowns to neutralize the champion's striking advantage but couldn't generate sustained pressure.

All three judges scored the bout in Adesanya's favor, solidifying his position atop the division despite Whittaker's determined wrestling approach.