Israel Adesanya’s hilarious pre-fight gesture before UFC title bout

Israel Adesanya defeated Aussie Robert Whittaker to defend his UFC title, but the Kiwi predicted what would happen at the glove punch.

Israel Adesanya's pre-fight gesture is amazing.

There’s been plenty of speculation about Israel Adesanya’s triumph at UFC 271 on Sunday, but one thing you can’t deny is the Kiwi’s sense of humour.

Adesanya defeated Robert Whittaker via unanimous decision at Houston’s Toyota Centre to retain his UFC middleweight title and maintain his undefeated record in the division.

Watch Live UFC with ESPN on Kayo. Full Fight Night Events, PPV Prelims, Ultimate Fighter Series & More. New to Kayo? Start Your Free Trial >

Judges scored the fight 48-47, 48-47, 49-46, despite Whittaker producing a substantially better performance than in their first encounter two years, where Adesanya knocked him out in the second round.

But the New Zealand star predicted the outcome of Sunday’s bout before the first punch was thrown, with a cheeky pre-fight gesture at the glove punch.

Instead of offering Whittaker the traditional closed fist bump, he wrapped his hands around the 31-year-old’s fists – because paper covers rock.

Adesanya won the: rock, paper, scissors” battle, and the title fight that followed.

“I knew he was going to bring everything, because last time I took everything away from him,” he said after the victory.

“He had nothing to lose. And like I said, I’m the champ. If you want it, come get it.”

Rock, paper, scissors. Adesanya won the face off… pic.twitter.com/2yMWUO3qfh

— Chael Sonnen (@ChaelSonnen) February 13, 2022

Israel Adesanya up 10-9 with the rock, paper, scissors win #UFC271

— Shakiel Mahjouri (@Shak_Fu) February 13, 2022

Paper beats rock. Adesanya already ahead of Whittaker #UFC271

— MMA mania (@mmamania) February 13, 2022

Whittaker was cautious early in Sunday’s fight, using the first round to size up his opponent.

He attempted some take-downs but his only effective one came in the fifth round. Each time Whittaker had Adesanya on the canvas he struggled to keep him there, as the champ escaped his clutches with relative ease.

Adesanya was always in control and connected with a barrage of damaging kicks to Whittaker’s legs, which hurt him.

Whittaker tried his best to be the aggressor and take it to Adesanya, but the judges didn’t believe he did enough to warrant victory.

Nigeria-born Israel Adesanya kicks Robert Whittaker. Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images

“I did,” Whittaker said when asked if he felt he’d done enough to win.

“I felt like I started off rocky, but I thought I won every round after that. It is what it is.

“You know what they say, don’t leave it to the judges.

“I’m happy that I fought my heart out and left it here, but I’m gutted.

“I thought I did enough. I thought I took that.

“I was surprised at how well my plan was working. I was surprised at how I executed a game plan and it was paying dividends. I was surprised with the decision. But it is what it is though.

“I don’t want to take anything away from him. He’s the champ. He beat me for the second time now and that’s that.

“We’re the two best in the world. I know this, he knows this, we know this.”

Originally published as Israel Adesanya’s hilarious pre-fight gesture before UFC title bout