New Zealand mixed martial arts fighter Israel Adesanya wasn't afraid to reach for the top, but defeating Jan Blachowicz was too steep a mountain to climb.
Israel Adesanya Photo: Stephen R. Sylvanie
UFC middleweight champion Adesanya (20-1) stepped up in weight to challenge for Blachowicz's light heavyweight belt in the main event of UFC 259 in Las Vegas.
But Blachowicz's size advantage spelled the difference as he won the fight via unanimous decision on scores of 49-46, 49-45 and 49-45.
Each of the first three rounds were close, tactical stand-up affairs in which both fighters landed big shots.
But New Zealand's Adesanya appeared to be giving up about 25 pounds to his foe, and Poland's Blachowicz (28-8) used this to his advantage in the final two rounds, using takedowns and grappling to overwhelm his foe and seal the deal.
"I knew if I got him to the mat, if I take him down, I'm bigger than him and I wear him down," Blachowicz said.
-Field Level Media
