3 UFC Titles That Will Change Hands In 2019 (And 3 That Aren’t Going Anywhere)

5. Change Hands: Middleweight (Robert Whittaker)

Though he only fought once in 2018, Robert Whittaker's lone bout with Yoel Romero was certainly a memorable one. The Australian managed to retain his title via split decision victory over a very game Romero.

Next up for the champ is another high-level wrestler by the name of Kelvin Gastelum. Whittaker will face his fellow Ultimate Fighter coach in Melbourne this February at UFC 234. Gastelum is a heavy-handed grappler with a skill set very similar to Whittaker's most recent opponent.

If the Aussie was able to defeat a hard-hitting Olympic wrestler like Romero twice, he should be able to use the same gameplan to get past Gastelum — especially with the fight taking place in Australia.

However, after retaining his title at UFC 234, Whittaker will likely cross paths with "The Last Stylebender" Israel Adesanya. Adesanya is an undefeated fighter (15-0) with an unorthodox stand-up game that no one's been able to figure out.

"The Last Stylebender" will also be competing at UFC 234 against the legendary Anderson Silva, in a fight that will likely determine the number 1 contender for the middleweight crown. Adesanya, an elite kickboxer in the prime of his career, should have no trouble getting past an aging Anderson Silva. Silva, who is now 43, has lost 4 of his last 6 fights.

From there, Adesanya can expect to face Whittaker later this summer.

Look for "The Stylebender" to use his elusiveness, world-class kickboxing, and reach advantage to overwhelm Whittaker and capture the title.

 
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From 1999-2003 Jacques performed on the Florida independent pro wrestling circuit. He also has an amateur wrestling background and currently holds a certification in Krav Maga. Jacques graduated from the University of Central Florida in 2003, with a bachelor's degree in Political Science. He currently resides in Chicago, Illinois. Follow him on twitter @goodeals79.