New Zealand mixed martial artist Israel Adesanya has earned a title shot against reigning UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker after a unanimous points victory over American Kelvin Gastelum in Atlanta today.
Israel Adesanya (right) fights Kelvin Gastelum Photo: Photosport
Honours were shared across the first four rounds, but the 29-year-old Nigeria-born New Zealander dominated the fifth and final round to take the title 48-46 in UFC 236 at the Octagon.
Adesanya's impressive striking game in the last round proved decisive against Gastelum's strong wrestling credentials, and he now becomes the first New Zealand-based fighter to win a UFC belt.
He's now expected to face reigning middleweight champion Whittaker later this year.
Whittaker watched the fight from his home city of Sydney, afterwards tweeting Adesanya: "Great fight mate see you soon."
Adesanya's win over Gastelum improved his MMA record to 17-0 and his UFC log to 6-0.
