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Marc RaimondiESPN
LAS VEGAS — The highly anticipated fight between two of the UFC’s biggest stars from Oceania is official.
UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker and interim champ Israel Adesanya will unify the titles in the main event of UFC 243 on October 5, the promotion announced Friday. The bout is expected to take place at a stadium in Australia.
Whittaker (20-4), who was born in New Zealand and lives in Australia, has won nine straight. “The Reaper” has held the 185-pound title since 2017. Whittaker, 28, last fought at UFC 225 in June 2018, a split decision win over Yoel Romero.
Adesanya (17-0), a Nigeria-born New Zealand resident, won the interim title by beating Kelvin Gastelum by unanimous decision at UFC 236 in April. “The Last Style Bender” is 6-0 in the UFC. Adesanya, 29, is thought to be one of the top up-and-coming fighters in the UFC due to his exciting style and charisma.