UFC 243: Israel Adesanya, Robert Whittaker make weight for title fight

It's official - Israel Adesanya and Robert Whittaker will do battle for UFC gold on Sunday.

The two middleweights have successfully weighed in for the main event of UFC 243 from Melbourne's Marvel Stadium.

The bout - set to be held in front of the biggest live crowd in UFC history - will see Australian Whittaker put his middleweight strap on the line against interim champion Adesanya who resides in Auckland.

"The Last Stylebender" tipped the scales at 184 lbs, while Whittaker was a pound heavier.

A raucous crowd cheered "The Reaper" to the stage as he prepares to do battle for just the second time since winning the title in July 2017. 

UFC 243: Israel Adesanya, Robert Whittaker make weight for title fight

The two best middleweights in the world shared an intense staredown -the last time their eyes will meet until the octagon door slams shut on Sunday afternoon.

Whittaker became the first New Zealand born fighter to win UFC gold when he defeated Yoel Romero via decision.

Three other Kiwis are set for action on Sunday and all made weight for their respective bouts.

Lightweight Dan Hooker fights former UFC title challenger Al Iaquinta, Luke Jumeau returns from a 19-month absence against welterweight Dhiego Lima and Brad Riddell makes his Octagon debut against Australian Jamie Mullarkey. 

Newshub.