Australian MMA fans can tune into to UFC 248 on Sunday, March 8 as UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya officially defends his title for the first time against Cuban middleweight juggernaut Yoel Romero.
Sunday’s card will continue a promised stretch of blockbuster fights, which includes Weili Zhang defending both her 20-fight unbeaten streak and straw-weight gold against the greatest 115-pound fighter of all time in Joanna Jedrzejczyk.
Can Jedrzejczyk prove her doubters wrong and regain championship form? Or will the firing-hot Weili Zhang continue her reign?
Israel Adesanya faces only his seventh UFC opponent in Yoel Romero looking to protect his immaculate record and extend to 19-0. In just two years, the Nigerian-born kickboxing phenomenon has shot through the UFC ranks and put the rest of the roster on notice.
City Kickboxing’s golden boy faces no easy task this weekend and will become the master of his own fate. In calling out the division’s gatekeeper Yoel Romero, Adesanya has opted for legacy by way of quality over quantity in what will be a major stepping stone on path to a super fight with light-heavyweight champion Jon Jones. This is a bout that will without a doubt determine the roster’s number one pound-for-pound fighter.
Yoel Romero was forged through the Cuban amateur sport system and has arguably the most frightening genetic make-up in the sport. An Olympic silver medalist and one of Cuba’s greatest ever wrestlers, Romero comes from a long line of professional boxers and incorporates striking into his game naturally. As one of the biggest hitters in MMA, Romero strikes with force and leaves it written all over his opponent.
Israel Adesanya quickly transitioned from kick-boxing to MMA in search of a more lucrative career. One of the most precise strikers in the UFC, the so-called Last Style Bender dismantles his opponents with unprecedented striking, deploying shots with a unique flair. Looking to extend to a 19-0 record, Adesanya has joined a rare group of UFC fighters.
(Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
It is only every so often that a fighter comes along, boasting what can be considered the full package. Not only is he charismatic and violent with intention but he appeals to a unique niche of die-hard fans much like Chuck Liddell, Ronda Rousey and Conor McGregor before him.
Although Romero is coming off the back of a three-fight losing streak, is is extremely important to not have him underestimated. With 43 years on the horizon, Yoel Romero continues to prove himself to the world with an oddly revised claim to the middle-weight throne. Sunday will perhaps be his last shot at UFC gold.
Given both of their history in the octagon, it is safe to say that this will be an all-out war. Both fighters have proven chins and opt to stand and bang. Romero will need to unleash a scary pace if he wishes to employ the same strategy on someone of Adesanya’s tier. Adesanya will need to prove to the world that if he is tested on the sprawl that he is in fact more than a kickboxer.
Could we be looking at a new champion at 185? Or will Adesanya hand Romero his fourth straight loss and shun his claim to the title?
Jeansyjive
Roar Rookie
Was almost a replay of Ngannou vs Lewis. They both wanted to counter. Although by the end of round 3 you would have thought Romero as challenger who probably was in his last title fight would have change tack. Adesenya said he called out Romero for his legacy but that performance didn’t add anything to his legacy. Some are calling it a smart fight to avoid Romero power including Dana White. Dana probably just happy his marketable champion won. Certainly left a lot of fans underwhelmed. JJ vs Weili was insane fight. That hematoma was nasty.
Anthony Abreu
Roar Guru
Exactly right. Romero stood grounded in the middle. Fighters don’t have to fight the champions fight. Shows in what way Adesanya likes to bang.
Davico
Roar Pro
Well gee that was exciting from Israel and Romero!! Fortunately we had Weili and JJ to put on a show at least. What a war!! Guessing a rematch after they have both had time to heal up! For all his swag that was pretty ordinary from Israel! He has called out Jones previously for not putting on a show and engaging and then served up that tripe!! You do what you do to win, but you don’t get to the top of the heap talking smack and then running around for 25 minutes (though FMJ perfected it in the boxing ring). Won’t be hanging out to see his next fight unless it is Costa and even then am not that bothered if he fights the same way he did today
Davico
Roar Pro
Cannonier. I just don't think anyone coming off a loss deserves a title shot unless it is a rematch for a beaten title holder in a close fight
Anthony Abreu
Roar Guru
He was injured unfortunately, anybody else?
Davico
Roar Pro
Costa considering that he beat Yoel last time out?!!!!
Anthony Abreu
Roar Guru
Who would you recommend should have the shot?
Davico
Roar Pro
so It’s right that a guy on a 3 fight losing streak gets a shot because the champ said so?? So if Jon Jones calls out Cowboy Oliviera does that means he should get a shot??? Please!!
Jeansyjive
Roar Rookie
Adesanya called Romero out
Davico
Roar Pro
It is a joke that Romero has been given this shot, having said that, IF (and its a big if) he makes weight, he has the potential to cause a major upset purely on the back of his monster power and wrestling. I see Israel outclassing him, but Yoel only needs one shot to end the night. Personally, I think JJ has had her day in the sun as one of the vert best females in the game. The fighters now coming through are so much more well rounded as MMA fighters, and once JJ took the L it seems that she has lost a lot of confidence. The talk is still there but she cant seem to back it up!! Cowboy vs Griffin should be exciting for as long as it lasts!!!
Jeansyjive
Roar Rookie
I lost a lot of respect with how arrogant Joanna was in the fight against Rose. Was poetic justice that she lost and has struggled ever since. I think Zhang should win this fight but can’t underestimate her. Will be interesting to see how Adesanya copes with Romero wrestling. His take down defence has been good in previous fights and has got up pretty quick if taken down. Also if Romero connects it will be interesting to see his chin tested. Adesanya is well rounded though and the longer the fights go’s on he should have the better cardio. Will be interesting to see if Romero makes weight, which has been an issue.