BREAKING: Israel Adesanya outpoints Jared Cannonier to retain UFC middleweight title

BREAKING: Israel Adesanya outpoints Jared Cannonier to retain UFC middleweight title

Israel Adesanya proved once again that he's the best middleweight in the UFC, taking out Jared Cannonier by xxxxxxx to retain his title Saturday night in the main event of UFC 276 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Adesanya managed to keep Cannonier at a distance for much of the fight, fending off an occasional level change and clinch and turning it into a standup battle that played right into the champion's game.

The judges scored the bout 49-46, 49-46 and 50-45 for Adesanya.

Adesanya (23-1), 32, remains undefeated in the 185-pound division and successfully defended his belt for the fifth time. He was coming off a unanimous decision win over Robert Whittaker at UFC 271 in February.

Cannonier (15-6), 38, entered on a two-fight winning streak and with five wins in his past six fights. The Arizona resident was coming off a second-round knockout of Derek Brunson at UFC 271.