3 fights to make for Israel Adesanya after superstar’s confession

The ‘Last Stylebender’ Israel Adesanya once dominated the UFC middleweight division as one of its most powerful champions. However, his career in the promotion suddenly faced a significant downturn. In the aftermath, several notable figures in the UFC community have become critical of Adesanya. Recently, ‘Izzy’ made a confession regarding everything going on around him.

Former UFC champion Israel Adesanya is an enigmatic character with a vibrant personality. As a result, the Nigerian-born Kiwi fighter is never shy about interacting with the public. Most recently, Adesanya posted a Q&A video on his YouTube channel. In that video, the Nigerian-born Kiwi fighter seemingly addressed several questions regarding his potential next steps in the UFC.

Adesanya’s desire to step away from pursuing the UFC gold might come as a surprise, but there are several clear reasons behind it. Since his debut, the Nigerian-born Kiwi fighter has dismissed every formidable challenger in the UFC middleweight division.

According to UFC records, after Anderson Silva, Adesanya stands out as one of the premier fighters when it comes to winning streaks and title fight victories in the 185-pound division. However, with the emergence of new challengers, his recent performances have raised some concerns.

🏆🚫Israel Adesanya doesn’t plan to be a UFC champion again:

"After the [Imavov] fight I don’t expect anything. I don’t expect to be a champion…

If what I’ve done in this game doesn’t make me happy so what will?"

🎥 @stylebender ▫️ pic.twitter.com/H0yNsWSVDj

— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) February 23, 2025

Currently, Adesanya is on a three-fight losing streak, having recently failed to capitalize against another rising star, Nassourdine Imavov. Given his admission about not wanting to climb back up to challenge for the championship, several intriguing questions arise. Among them, the most pressing question is: Who could Adesanya face next, considering he doesn’t want to opt for retirement?

3. Become the wall of the division and fight prospects like Caio Borralho

From the moment he stepped into the Octagon, Israel Adesanya captivated fans with his commanding performances. Now, a fresh face is making waves in the UFC middleweight division: Caio Borralho. This Brazilian powerhouse is on a meteoric rise. As such, Borralho recently showcased his ferocity by taking down veteran fighter Jared Cannonier in a brutal display of skill and determination.

Following his victory over Cannonier, Borralho publicly expressed his intention to fight Adesanya next. He believes the Nigerian-born Kiwi fighter is no longer the formidable opponent he once was. According to the current UFC middleweight rankings, Adesanya is ranked 4th, while the Brazilian fighter is ranked 6th. Given these circumstances, this matchup could serve as a critical test of Borralho’s potential.

2. A rematch against Sean Strickland who took away his championship belt

In the world of the UFC, Israel Adesanya hasn’t had many fierce rivalries with past opponents. However, a few standouts have tested his mental resilience. One name that particularly grabs attention is Sean Strickland, who has not held back in his criticisms of Izzy. Strickland’s sharp jabs at Adesanya’s emotional ties made their exchanges particularly fiery.

Ultimately, at UFC 293, both Adesanya and Strickland faced off, with ‘Izzy’ defending his middleweight title. However, the outcome of the fight was a massive shock, as the American fighter dominated Adesanya throughout the five-round match. This marked the first defeat in what has become a three-fight losing streak for the Nigerian-born Kiwi fighter.

Despite his impressive victory, Strickland found it challenging to hold onto his spot at the pinnacle of the middleweight division. This sets the stage for a highly anticipated rematch with Adesanya, as both fighters are failing to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of fierce competition in the division.

1. A trilogy between Israel Adesanya and Robert Whittaker

When one dives into the rich tapestry of UFC middleweight division history, a few names undeniably shine brighter than the rest. Among the current contenders, Israel Adesanya and Robert Whittaker emerge as titans in the 185 lbs category. Their rivalry was nothing short of electrifying, marked by thrilling clashes that captivated fans and showcased their incredible skills.

The epic rivalry between Adesanya and Whittaker squared off twice for the prestigious UFC middleweight title. Even with Whittaker’s greater experience in the octagon, he found himself bested by the Nigerian-born Kiwi fighter in both encounters. Yet, after years of tension and fierce competition, the two have recently decided to bury the hatchet and reconcile their differences.

Notably, Whittaker has already clarified his potential retirement timeline from the sport. Currently, the Australian fighter is 34 years old, and he has indicated that he may retire around the age of 36. Given their history of producing technically skilled fights, Whittaker could be one of Adesanya’s next three opponents in the promotion. This could lead to an exciting matchup where both legends might bid farewell to their impressive UFC careers.

Related: Why does Israel Adesanya hate Monster Energy? Is there a villain in this UFC lore?

Stay Updated!

Join our newsletter to receive exclusive updates and curated insights directly to your inbox.

Subscribe NOW