UFC 263 main event highlights: Israel Adesanya outclasses Marvin Vettori in a complete performance

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Jun 12, 2021; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Israel Adesanya reacts following his victory against Marvin Vettori during UFC 263 at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Heading into UFC 263, the heat between Israel Adesanya and Marvin Vettori was at a new peak. Especially from the Italians side. It gave the impression that the bout would be a hotly contested affair. However, when all was said and done, the champion impressively displayed once again why he is the undisputed best middleweight in the world.

Israel Adesanya retains title in complete performance

Early in the fight, the 31-year-old attacked the challenger with leg kicks that quickly reddened the leg of Vettori. It was a strike that was there all night for the champ as he found his range quickly and looked to counter. In the first Vettori came out hard and aggressive but Adesanya’s movement and stellar reflexes made him hard to catch. “The Italian Dream” did land a takedown in the opening round. Yet, the champ defended and got back to the feet. It was a common story throughout the fight.

The 27-year-old scored several takedowns in the fight, but “The Last Stylebender” showed growth in his grappling after it being his Achilles heel in his loss to Jan Blachowicz, in March. When the cage was near he used it to get back to his feet. When Vettori tried to get something going against it the champ elbowed him and forced him to change his position. In the instances when he was on his back away from the cage, Adesanya used technique and reversed positions. He even shut down a new rear-naked-choke. The only moment of danger in the fight.

Then there was just Adesanya’s impressive reflexes throughout. Sitting in the pocket and making Vettori miss with superb head movement, then score shots of his own. It was a complete and dominant performance from the Nigerian by way of New Zealand. For Vettori, while he is a better fighter than in their first fight, he surprisingly put up a disappointing showing in the second go around. However, that may be more about Adesanya’s continued greatness and growth in his own right.