Israel Adesanya Vs. Robert Whittaker 2 ‘Can’t Happen’ Until 2022 Due To Covid-19

Fans might have to wait for a bit longer before Israel Adesanya and Robert Whittaker meet in the octagon again.

Whittaker’s manager, Titus Day, said Whittaker versus Adesanya 2 was targeted for UFC 268 at Madison Square Garden in November, but due to traveling complications because of Covid-19, the fight might be pushed back into 2022.

“Rob had been told he would be fighting at Madison Square Garden,” Day told the Daily Telegraph. “But there have been some issues since and it can’t happen.

“Apparently, Adesanya could get into America for the fight, but he wouldn’t have been able to get back to NZ immediately afterwards (because of quarantine restrictions),” he added. “So while we know the fight is going to happen, it’s now become a matter of when.”

Adesanya (21-1) became the undisputed UFC middleweight champion at UFC 243 in 2019. The Nigerian-New Zealand fighter bagged the victory in front of over 57,000 fans in Australia, which was a UFC attendance record.

Adesanya, also known as the Last Stylebender, has become viral on social media for his famous anime references before, during and after fights.

Whittaker (24-5) lost to Adesanya at UFC 243, but has since nabbed a three-fight winning streak against Darren Till, Jared Cannonier and Kelvin Gastelum, respectively.

“Unfortunately, given everything going on with Covid in Australia and New Zealand at the moment, it may not be until early next year,” Day said.