New Zealand’s Israel Adesanya has franked his reputation as the most exciting talent in the UFC, becoming the middleweight champion in spectacular fashion at Marvel Stadium on Sunday.

It was billed as the biggest fight in Australasian history, and it didn’t disappoint as Adesanya stopped Robert Whittaker in his tracks -- three minutes and 33 seconds into the second round of the UFC 243 main event.

Adesanya ended the fight with a devastating knockout, which not only improved his undefeated MMA record to 18-0 but also ended Whittaker’s nine-fight winning streak that dated back to June 2014. It was also Whittaker’s first loss in the middleweight division.

Whittaker marked his first fight in 16 months and his first title defence in Melbourne. Given he was upgraded to champion after Georges St-Pierre vacated the belt in 2017, it means the Australian is still yet to either win or defend the title inside the octagon.

The result caps off a meteoric rise for 30-year-old Adesanya, who only made his UFC debut in February last year. In that time he has swept all before him, now winning seven fights in the promotion. Sunday’s bout with Whittaker has assured him of superstar status in the sport.

More to come...