One of the more highly anticipated UFC fights of 2021 is going to have to wait. Today, we’ve learned that the rematch between Israel Adesanya (21-1) and Robert Whittaker (23-5) is being delayed.
Apparently, the UFC was targeting this rematch as the headliner of UFC 268 in New York. The rematch between Kamaru Usman and Colby Covington was thought to be the headliner of the event.
However, we are now learning that the UFC was targeting that fight as the co-main while the Adesanya – Whittaker rematch would be the headliner. Unfortunately for fight fans, that fight will not take place in November as originally planned.
Whittaker’s manager told the Daily Telegraph today that the UFC had planned on Whittaker – Adesanya 2 headlining MSG. However, due to COVID-19 restrictions in New Zealand, the fight is being pushed back.
According to Whittaker’s manager, neither Adesanya nor Whittaker were going to have issues getting into the United States. However, Adesanya was going to be stranded for a while without being able to return to New Zealand for a while. As a result, the UFC is scrapping the November idea.
When will the UFC book this rematch?
Per Whittaker’s manager, the UFC is now looking at potentially booking the rematch in the first part of 2022. Perhaps the January PPV or even the Super Bowl PPV cards could be the target for their rematch.
The two men fought back at UFC 243 when Adesanya was the interim champion and Whittaker was the undisputed champion. Adesanya finished Whittaker in the second round to unify the UFC title.
Since that win, Adesanya has gone 3-1 with the lone loss coming in his attempt to capture a second world title against Jan Blachowicz. Whittaker has been extremely patient while he’s waited for his rematch with the UFC champion.
Bobby Knuckles has gone on a run where he’s defeated Darren Till, Jared Cannonier, and Kelvin Gastelum. Honestly, Whittaker deserved this rematch a long time ago and I’m just glad he’s getting the next shot. Downside is that we have no idea at this point when the fight will take place.