Israel Adesanya eagerly awaits his next significant test in the world of mixed martial arts.
After defeating his long-standing rival Alex Pereira in their most recent encounter at UFC 287 in April, Adesanya reclaimed his UFC middleweight championship belt. Having triumphed over Pereira, who had previously defeated him three times in kickboxing and MMA competitions, Adesanya put their rivalry to rest, at least for the time being. Now, he sets his sights on the light heavyweight division. The next contender for the middleweight title is expected to emerge from the Robert Whittaker vs. Dricus Du Plessis matchup at UFC 290 on July 8. Meanwhile, welterweight contender Khamzat Chimaev has expressed interest in fighting Adesanya, sparking excitement among fans. Adesanya, while intrigued by the idea of a bout against Chimaev, still prioritizes his anticipated grudge match with Du Plessis, but remains open to all the options before him.
“I assure you, I’m not afraid of anyone on this planet. No one,” Adesanya confidently declared during an interview on IMPAULSIVE. “And guess what? I love a challenge. [Chimaev] brings something unique that I haven’t encountered before. I’ve faced wrestlers in the past, but this is a big fight, and I like that. The stakes make it even better. However, he has to deal with Kamaru [Usman], and if he wins, he’ll probably go for the title.”
Adesanya acknowledged that he has greater ambitions to pursue and challenges to conquer. He plans to be present at UFC 290 in July, not for a fight against Whittaker, but to observe Du Plessis closely.
While a fight between Usman and Chimaev has not been officially confirmed, UFC President Dana White has mentioned the possibility, and both fighters have expressed their interest. The only point of contention is the weight class in which the fight would take place.
Chimaev’s recent setbacks include missing weight by a substantial 7.5 pounds before his scheduled welterweight fight against Nate Diaz in September. This mishap caused major changes to the fight card, and Chimaev ultimately secured a victory via first-round d’arce choke against Kevin Holland in a 180-pound catchweight bout. Even prior to the weight issues, Chimaev had expressed a desire to face Adesanya.
“He has said some things in the past,” Adesanya commented. “He always tweets after my fights, but I don’t pay attention to nonsense. Everyone does. I’m the champion. Even when Pereira held the belt, I was still the champ. Maybe not the UFC champion, but people on the streets still called me champ because I’m me. I’m Israel Adesanya. I carry that name, that target on my back, regardless of the circumstances. I said this leading up to my last fight. People asked me if losing the belt relieved the pressure, and I said no. I am still Israel Adesanya, ‘The Last Stylebender.’ They want to fight me because I’m currently one of the greatest in this game, and they want to add my name to their list, saying ‘Yeah, I beat him’ or ‘I fought him.'”
TOP STORIES
Recap. Episode 2 results of The Ultimate Fighter 31: Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler.
Change. Anthony Smith shares his anticipation for Amanda Nunes’ retirement.
Legals. Chael Sonnen pleads not guilty to misdemeanor battery charges, bench trial scheduled for August.
Loss. Kai Kara-France criticizes judges after controversial decision in UFC Vegas 74, claims it cost him $100,000.
Stop. Matt Brown advises Francis Ngannou to skip a warm-up boxing fight and go for the lucrative payday.
Healing. Paddy Pimblett provides an injury update and admits his last fight didn’t go as planned.
Expectations. Andre Ward explains why Nate Diaz can put up a tougher fight against Jake Paul than people expect.
Hollywood. Jake Paul set to make his feature film debut in a combat sports drama produced by the same company behind ‘Air.’
VIDEO STEW
TUF Hang.
Embedded 2.
UFC Firsts.
Old school Aldana.
Bellator champs at their best.
Full fight.
Only in KSW.
Playoff push.
Primetime.
LISTEN UP
Heck of a Morning. MMA Hook’s Mike Heck discusses controversial scorecards and talks about UFC 289.
MORNING MUSIC
SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE
Wild.
“Sweat, baby, sweat.”
Spirit.
Drills.
Art.
Power.
Do Bronx.
The R word.
Obligatory poster-signing video.
Sommar!
Arrival.
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Billy Quarantillo (17-5) vs. Damon Jackson (22-5-1, 1 NC); UFC Nashville, Aug. 5
A.J. Dobson (6-2, 1 NC) vs. Tafon Nchukwi (6-3); UFC Vegas 78, Aug. 12
Gaston Bolaños (7-3) vs. Marcus McGhee (7-1); UFC Vegas 78, Aug. 12
Khalil Rountree Jr. (12-5, 1 NC) vs. Chris Daukaus (12-6); UFC Vegas 78, Aug. 12
FINAL THOUGHTS
The potential matchup between Adesanya and Chimaev is highly intriguing and would be an ideal scenario for the UFC. However, it carries a similar risk to the Pereira fight if Adesanya doesn’t navigate the elite middleweight division successfully. Nonetheless, it might be a safer route to take. Only time will tell…
Thank you for reading!
EXIT POLL
Poll
Which matchup interests you most for Israel Adesanya?
Dricus Du Plessis
Khamzat Chimaev
Robert Whittaker 3
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about middleweight champion
What weight class is Israel Adesanya currently competing in?
Israel Adesanya is currently competing in the light heavyweight division. He reclaimed his UFC middleweight championship title but has since expressed interest in exploring challenges in the 205-pound weight class.
Who is the next potential middleweight title challenger?
The next potential middleweight title challenger is expected to emerge from the Robert Whittaker vs. Dricus Du Plessis matchup at UFC 290 on July 8. Adesanya is keeping a close eye on this fight as he plans his next move in the division.
Is Israel Adesanya interested in fighting Khamzat Chimaev?
Israel Adesanya has expressed interest in a potential fight with Khamzat Chimaev. Adesanya sees the unique challenge that Chimaev brings and acknowledges the excitement surrounding a potential matchup. However, Adesanya has other priorities at the moment and wants to focus on his upcoming grudge match with Du Plessis.
Has the fight between Khamzat Chimaev and Kamaru Usman been confirmed?
The fight between Khamzat Chimaev and Kamaru Usman has not been officially confirmed at this time. There have been discussions and mentions of the possibility by UFC President Dana White, and both fighters have shown interest. The main point of contention is the weight class in which the fight would take place.
Did Khamzat Chimaev miss weight in his last fight?
Yes, Khamzat Chimaev missed weight by 7.5 pounds in his last scheduled fight against Nate Diaz at welterweight. This caused changes to the fight card, and Chimaev ultimately competed in a 180-pound catchweight bout against Kevin Holland. The weight miss has contributed to Chimaev’s current situation and potential matchups in the future.
More about middleweight champion
- Israel Adesanya’s UFC profile
- UFC 290 event page
- Robert Whittaker’s UFC profile
- Dricus Du Plessis’ UFC profile
- Khamzat Chimaev’s UFC profile
- Kamaru Usman’s UFC profile
