Adesanya Beats Vettori to Defend Title at UFC 263

Israel Adesanya of Nigeria reacts after defeating Marvin Vettori of Italy by unanimous decision to win the middleweight championship during UFC 263 at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz., on June 12, 2021. Christian Petersen/Getty Images

GLENDALE, Ariz.—Israel Adesanya did not like the way his first fight against Marvin Vettori went despite winning in a split decision.

The crafty UFC middleweight star left no doubt in the rematch, pummeling Vettori with a flurry of kicks to the head and legs to defend his title.