Israel Adesanya
Photo: Stephen R. Sylvanie
UFC middleweight champion Adesanya (20-1) stepped up in weight to challenge for Blachowicz s light heavyweight belt in the main event of UFC 259 in Las Vegas.
But Blachowicz s size advantage spelled the difference as he won the fight via unanimous decision on scores of 49-46, 49-45 and 49-45.
Each of the first three rounds were close, tactical stand-up affairs in which both fighters landed big shots.
But New Zealand s Adesanya appeared to be giving up about 25 pounds to his foe, and Poland s Blachowicz (28-8) used this to his advantage in the final two rounds, using takedowns and grappling to overwhelm his foe and seal the deal.
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