Former UFC middleweight kingpin Anderson Silva took on rising star Israel Adesanya in the main event of UFC 234 tonight in Melbourne, Australia.

This evening’s event was originally supposed to be headlined by a middleweight title fight featuring reigning champion Robert Whittaker taking on top contender Kelvin Gastelum.

However, just hours prior to the commencement of tonight’s event UFC President Dana White announced that “The Reaper” had been pulled from the card due to injury.

With that news, Anderson Silva vs. Israel Adesanya was quickly promoted to tonight’s UFC 234 main event slot.

“The Spider” and “Stylebender” gave fight fans their money’s worth by engaging in a competitive fifteen minute contest.

Anderson Silva had flashes of brilliance throughtout the fight, but Israel Adesanya always remained calm and continued to outpoint Silva for the better portion of the fight.

In the end, Israel Adesanya emerged victorious by way of unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27 x2).

Following their entertaining UFC 234 headiner, both Anderson Silva and Israel Adesanya received high praise from their respective peers on social media.

https://twitter.com/PlatinumPerry/status/1094463165923033089

I keep catching myself holding my breath during this fight. Anderson still has that effect on me after all these years. #ufc234

— Michael Chiesa (@MikeMav22) February 10, 2019

https://twitter.com/danhardymma/status/1094461344055734272

Omgggg I love @stylebender so much!! And his Rock Lee impressions!!! #ufc #otaku

— Roxanne Modafferi (@Roxyfighter) February 10, 2019

Team @SpiderAnderson Heeeey!

— @CrisCyborg.Com (@criscyborg) February 10, 2019

Nice one herb for checking on mouthpieces in an Anderson fight

— michael (@bisping) February 10, 2019

Anderson is one crafty, crafty Martial Artist.
You only develop these methods through years of hard fought experience.
Phenomenal performance.
The crafty veteran. Big respect always.
It would be an honor!

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) February 10, 2019

Why is that worm holding the 185lb belt? There are worms crawling on his skin! It was absolutely ludicrous to even consider allowing him to compete. Let alone now walk around the arena shaking our fans hands.
Someone sort this, this instant. And sterilize that belt.
Immediately.

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) February 10, 2019

What did you think of the UFC 234 main event scrap between Anderson Silva and Israel Adesanya? Sound off in the comments section PENN Nation!