Israel Adesanya Faces Brad Tavares in TUF 27 Finale Main Event

Brad Tavares UFC
Credit: Dave Mandel/Sherdog.com

Israel Adesanya isn’t wasting any time, as the kickboxing star is already main eventing a UFC card, just three fights into his run with the promotion.

In just the third fight of his UFC career, Israel Adesanya will be headlining a card. On Monday, the UFC announced via social media that ‘The Last Stylebender’ would face Brad Tavares at the Ultimate Fighter 27 finale in July. Adesanya vs. Tavares will serve as the bout’s main event. It’s an incredible pace for the flashy striker, who has already scored two victories this year.

Adesanya made his debut in February at UFC 221, making an immediate impression when he pummeled Rob Wilkinson on route to a second round TKO and Performance of the Night bonus. He followed that up with a split decision over Marvin Vettori at UFC on FOX 29 earlier this month in Glendale, AZ. That moved the kickboxing champ to a perfect 13-0, and a clash with Tavares, who also fought on the UFC Glendale card.

Hawaii’s Brad Tavares (17–4) will head into the TUF 27 Finale in Las Vegas on a four fight win streak. With a full head of steam, he should represent a solid step up for Israel Adesanya. Among Tavares’ notable wins of late are TUF Nations winner Elias Theodoreau and the always dangerous Thales Leites.

The Ultimate Fighter 27 finale takes place July 6 at the Pearl Theatre in Las Vegas, NV.