After months of speculation, it has been confirmed that Israel Adesanya’s first defence of his UFC middleweight belt will be against Yoel Romero.

The highly anticipated bout will serve as the headline act of UFC 248 on March 8 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

New Zealand’s Adesanya became the champion in spectacular fashion at UFC 243 at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium in October when he knocked out Australia’s Robert Whittaker in the second round.

Israel Adesanya proved too good for Robert Whittaker at Marvel Stadium in October.Credit:AAP

The result ensured Adesanya maintained his undefeated MMA record (18-0), including seven victories in the UFC in the space of just 20 months.

Romero (13-4), 42, might have lost three of his last four fights, including two to Whittaker, but his last two losses to Whittaker and Paulo Costa were decided by the judges, and could easily have gone the other way. The Cuban is still considered one of the most fearsome fighters in the UFC.

Whittaker was scheduled to also feature at UFC 248, but he pulled out due to personal reasons and Darren Till is now expected to replace him on the card and fight Jarrod Cannonier, also in the middleweight division.

The winner of Adesanya and Romero will probably defend the title against Costa next.

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