Israel Adesanya Dismisses Robert Whittaker Trilogy: ‘I Know How That Book Ends’

While Robert Whittaker may have been much more competitive with Israel Adesanya in their rematch earlier this year at UFC 271, it doesn’t seem like a third meeting will be happening anytime soon, if at all.

That’s according to the reigning middleweight champion, who dismissed the possibility of a trilogy with Whittaker during a recent UFC press conference. Adesanya is currently slated to defend the 185-pound belt against Jared Cannonier in the UFC 276 headliner on July 2 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

“He’s a great fighter, I’ll give it to him,” Adesanya said of Whittaker. “But I know how that book ends. I’ve read that book twice already. The first time was a quick read. The second time a little bit longer.

“He’s probably gonna be at the top for a while. If we fight again, I know how that book ends. That’s why I’m excited about this next fight, some new blood, someone I’ve never fought before. If [Whittaker] wants to he should go up to 205, see what that’s about, maybe try that for a little bit. I don’t like reading the same book over and over again.”

Cannonier, a former heavyweight and light heavyweight competitor, has won five of six Octagon appearances since dropping to 185 pounds. While Adesanya is motivated to take on a fresh face, he doesn’t necessarily see Cannonier as his most difficult challenger. In fact, he foresees an early night for “The Killa Gorilla” on July 2.

“Everyone’s a tough challenger. He still carries that strength around, so I can’t overlook him,” Adesanya said. “But I don’t think he’s the toughest challenger. I really think I will make it look easy.

“It’s gonna be fun. It’s gonna look a lot like the [Paulo] Costa fight.”