Marvin Vettori believed he won his 2018 clash with Israel Adesanya and never stopped calling for a rematch with the man who would go on to become UFC middleweight champion. Vettori got his rematch on Saturday night in the main event of UFC 263 and came up empty, with Adesanya taking a clear decision victory at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Arizona.

Vettori had only a few successful moments in the fight, scoring with a handful of takedowns, but Adesanya showcased improved grappling skills as he escaped back to his feet every time, including spinning out of a rear-naked choke attempt to end up in top position. Outside of those fleeting moments for Vettori, the fight was all Adesanya as he worked Vettori over with a steady diet of leg kicks.

In the end, Adesanya took every round on all three official scorecards, winning by scores of 50-45 across the board.

After his victory, Adesanya called for a rematch with Robert Whittaker, the man he defeated to become champion, saying the rematch should take place in Auckland, New Zealand this time around.

UFC 263 card and results

Israel Adesanya (c) def. Marvin Vettori via unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45)

Brandon Moreno (c) def. Deiveson Figueiredo via third-round submission (rear naked choke)

Leon Edwards def. Nate Diaz via unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 49-46)

Belal Muhammad def. Demian Maia via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

Paul Craig def. Jamahal Hill via first-round TKO (arm injury)

Brad Riddell def. Drew Dober via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Eryk Anders def. Darren Stewart via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-27, 29-27)

Lauren Murphy def. Joanne Calderwood via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Movsar Evloev def. Hakeem Dawodu via unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-27)

Pannie Kianzad def. Alexis Davis via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Terrance McKinney def. Matt Frevola via first-round TKO (punches)

Steven Peterson def. Chase Hooper via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Fares Ziam def. Luigi Vendramini via majority decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-28)

Carlos Felipe def. Jake Collier via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

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