UFC 271 LIVE: Adesanya vs Whittaker stream, fight card, latest updates and results tonight

The middleweight title was on the line in the main event, as rivals took part in a long-awaited rematch

Israel Adesanya dances during his walkout at UFC 243

Nearly two-and-a-half years after they first clashed in the Octagon, Israel Adesanya and Robert Whittaker will go head-to-head for the UFC middleweight title again this evening.

In October 2019, Adesanya’s meteoric rise through the 185lbs division culminated in the then-interim champion’s victory over Whittaker in Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium, as the biggest crowd in UFC history watched their home fighter get knocked out in the second round to surrender his belt. For Whittaker, the pressure of a seismic fight against his antagonistic foe in front of more than 57,000 fans – as well as the Australia vs New Zealand narrative – proved too much, and the defending champion was unusually reckless as he was outfought by Nigerian-born Adesanya.

Whittaker has fought and won three times since then, navigating a tough route back to Adesanya, who has competed four times since beating the “Reaper”. While Whittaker recorded impressive wins against Darren Till, Jared Cannonier and Kelvin Gastelum, there were three successful title defences for Adesanya – against Yoel Romero, Paulo Costa and Marvin Vettori – though he suffered a first professional loss in unsuccessfully challenging for the light heavyweight belt last year. Finally, Adesanya and Whittaker rematch at UFC 271 in Houston, Texas tonight, where Derrick Lewis competes in front of a home crowd in his co-main event against fellow heavyweight Tai Tuivasa.

There is also a meeting between middleweight contenders Cannonier and Derek Brunson, with the winner of that contest potentially next for the victor of the main event.

Re-live all the action from UFC 271, below.

UFC 271 LIVE

• Israel Adesanya (C) def. Robert Whittaker via unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46)
• Tai Tuivasa def. Derrick Lewis via second-round KO (elbow, 1:40)
• Jared Cannonier def. Derek Brunson via second-round KO (elbows, 4:29)
• Renato Moicano def. Alexander Hernandez via second-round submission (read naked choke, 1:23)
• Bobby Green def. Nasrat Haqparast via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

[13 February 2022 05:11 · Alex Pattle]

UFC 271: Adesanya vs Whittaker

Meanwhile, Adesanya has also fought and won three times at 185lbs since beating Whittaker, though the Nigerian-born New Zealander also suffered his first professional loss – when he unsuccessfully challenged for the light heavyweight belt last year.

That defeat by Jan Blachowicz came after a points win against Yoel Romero and stoppage victory over Paulo Costa, and was followed by a decision win against Marvin Vettori.

[13 February 2022 05:09 · Alex Pattle]

UFC 271: Adesanya vs Whittaker

Since losing the title to Adesanya, Whittaker has fought three times and won three times.

The Australian secured decision wins against Darren Till, Jared Cannonier and Kelvin Gastelum – all very dangerous opponents.

Whittaker’s loss to Adesanya remains “The Reaper”’s only defeat at middleweight in the UFC.

[13 February 2022 05:08 · Alex Pattle]

UFC 271: Adesanya vs Whittaker

Here’s our preview of tonight’s main event:

[13 February 2022 05:07 · Alex Pattle]

UFC 271: Adesanya vs Whittaker

Next up is the main event!

Can Whittaker avenge his title loss to Adesanya by dethroning his rival?

We’re about to find out...

[13 February 2022 05:05 · Alex Pattle]

UFC 271: Adesanya vs Whittaker

Tuivasa celebrates with a customary ‘shoey’.

[13 February 2022 05:05 · Alex Pattle]

UFC 271: Adesanya vs Whittaker

Tuivasa entered this bout as the 11th-ranked heavyweight in the UFC; Lewis was No3.

Surely Tuivasa will be catapulted up the rankings now.

[13 February 2022 05:04 · Alex Pattle]

UFC 271: Adesanya vs Whittaker

Tuivasa: “That’s the king of knockouts, much respect to Derrick. But like I said, I’m young and upcoming; I’m taking over now.”

[13 February 2022 05:02 · Alex Pattle]

UFC 271: Adesanya vs Whittaker

Tai Tuivasa def. Derrick Lewis via second-round KO (elbow, 1:40).

[13 February 2022 05:01 · Alex Pattle]

UFC 271: Adesanya vs Whittaker

Tuivasa landed a couple of big elbows in close, and the last one saw Lewis just face-plant onto the mat.

[13 February 2022 05:00 · Alex Pattle]

UFC 271: Adesanya vs Whittaker

Lewis vs Tuivasa – Round 2

Inside low kick then a quick roll from Tuivasa.

Lewis hurts Tuivasa with a one-two! The Australian retreats to the fence!

The pair clinch and Lewis tries for another trip, but he can’t quite get it this time.

OH! The heavyweights are trading huge shots, who’s going to fall?!

LEWIS! It’s Lewis who gets knocked out!