WhatCulture UFC Awards: Best Of 2019
2. Fight Of The Year Award - Israel Adesanya Vs. Kelvin Gastelum
Honestly, how could it be anything other than this fight? The epic battle between Israel Adesanya and Kelvin Gastelum back at UFC 236 was one of the greatest MMA bouts you'll ever see. With a future middleweight title shot in the balance, both men put every bit of energy they had into this back-and-forth five round affair.
Despite having a strong wrestling background, Gastelum decided to stand and trade with Adesanya and he had some success. The Ultimate Fighter 17 winner threw some wicked strikes at his opponent, landing some big overhand punches on the former kickboxing champion. While his performance was a surprise, it was also sensational to watch as he proved how good of a striker he is.
While it was an impressive showing from Gastelum, Adesanya's accurate striking, never-say-die attitude and sheer unbreakable will was too much for him. Although the Nigerian-New Zealander took his fair share of licks, he still managed to land plenty of devastating punches of his own, flooring Gastelum repeatedly during the bout.
With each fighter having won two rounds apiece going into the fifth and final five minutes of their fight, Adesanya went to a completely new level to get the victory. Everything he threw was filled with bad intentions and he nearly finished Gastelum in the final few seconds of the round. Although Gastelum lost, both men deserve credit for the memorable battle they had.