Marvin Vettori was not impressed with middleweight champion Israel Adesanya’s title defense at UFC 276.
Adesanya (23-1 MMA, 12-1 UFC) defeated Jared Cannonier by unanimous decision in Saturday’s headliner at T-Mobile Arena in what was an uneventful standup affair. “The Last Stylebender” was met with boos from the fans, but he reigned supreme once again by notching his fifth title defense.
Vettori (18-5-1 MMA, 8-3-1 UFC), who lost twice to Adesanya, recently told MMA Junkie that he’s the champion’s only real challenge and now has extra added motivation after watching him against Cannonier.
“Reality is this sh*t was so boring people walked off the arena after 3 rounds. The division needs a new champ and it’s gonna happen very soon. 9 weeks from today we’re making a statement. Italy will have his first UFC champion soon. #theitaliandream.”
Reality is this shit was so boring people walked off the arena after 3 rounds.
The division needs a new champ and it’s gonna happen very soon.
9 weeks from today we’re making a statement.
Italy will have his first UFC champion soon.#theitaliandream— Marvin Vettori (@MarvinVettori) July 3, 2022
Vettori meets former champion Robert Whittaker on Sept. 3 in Paris and is hoping a win results in a trilogy bout with Adesanya. However, Vettori will likely have to wait in line after Adesanya’s former kickboxing foe, Alex Pereira, starched Sean Strickland in the first round at UFC 276 to earn a title shot.