Israel Adesanya outpoints Jared Cannonier to retain UFC middleweight title

LAS VEGAS — In a clinical, albeit unspectacular, performance, Israel Adesanya outpointed Jared Cannonier via unanimous decision to retain his middleweight championship in the main event of UFC 276 on Saturday night at T-Mobile Arena.

The judges scored the bout 49-46, 49-46 and 50-45 for Adesanya.

Adesanya's superiority in striking was evident throughout the bout. Cannonier landed nothing of real significance with Adesanya keeping him at a distance, picking him apart with jabs and kicks to the body and legs.

The crowd grew restless with the lack of thrilling action, especially in the fourth round, which was marked by boos and fans holding up lit-up smartphones. But Cannonier did nothing to push Adesanya, a former champion kickboxer, into anything resembling a firefight. Adesanya, meanwhile, was content with safely landing strikes with his length from so far out that Cannonier could not counter them.

Adesanya outstruck Cannonier 163-141 for the fight, including a 116-90 edge in significant strikes.

«They had an excellent gameplan,» Adesanya said, giving credit to Cannonier's coach, John Crouch. «It was really hard to get my follow-ups going.»

Coming in, ESPN had Adesanya ranked No. 3 in the world on its pound-for-pound list. At middleweight, Adesanya was ranked No. 1 and Cannonier is No. 3.

Next up for Adesanya could be Alex Pereira, who knocked out Sean Strickland on the undercard Saturday. Pereira owns two kickboxing wins over Adesanya, including one by knockout.

«The first time I told you it was an error on my part spamming the right hand,» Adesanya said, directing his comments to Pereira. «That was in kickboxing.… Next time I punch you, you'll be on skates and you're gonna be frozen like Elsa. I'll leave it at that.»

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