Israel Adesanya's UFC Return: Shaking Up the Middleweight Division
Image Credit: MMAnytt
Later this month will mark the long-awaited return of former middleweight champion Israel Adesanya to the UFC. The Nigerian-born fighter has not competed since his loss to Sean Strickland in September. He will challenge Dricus Du Plessis for the belt in Perth, Australia. Adesanya is a great fighter; it is excellent that he will return to the UFC Octagon very soon.
The Career of Israel Adesanya
There was a massive amount of hype around Adesanya even before he entered the UFC. He had a tremendous kickboxing career and is an elite striker. Adesanya took the UFC by storm, capturing the belt just over a year after his debut. The former champion fought great fighters like Anderson Silva, Marvin Vettori, and Derek Brunson. He captured the belt on a memorable night Down Under as he dethroned Robert Whittaker. It marked a prosperous title reign during which he held the belt for three years. However, he was defeated by Alex Pereira at Madison Square Garden but got revenge over his Brazilian rival a couple of months later. Going into the Strickland fight, he was heavily favored to come away with the victory. Yet, the American put in an excellent performance to come away with the upset. After a well-deserved break, Adesanya will look to recapture his belt against Du Plessis later this month.
The Middleweight Division Needs Him
The middleweight division is weird because its big names are outside the title picture. When Adesanya was champion, it was one of the most talked-about divisions in the entire UFC. Adesanya is a massive star for the MMA juggernaut and draws much attention wherever he fights. He is charismatic, a good talker, and produces many phenomenal fights no matter who he is against. When he returns, there will be a real buzz around the 185 division. If Adesanya wins the title again, the middleweights will likely be put in the spotlight again. Furthermore, it will open opportunities for much bigger fights down the line.
What Fights Are Possible
If he can beat Du Plessis, Adesanya has some exciting options in opponents. Of course, there is a rematch with Strickland, which would draw a lot of attention. You also have the winner of Whittaker vs. Khamzat Chimaev, because the winner of that fight could be in line for a title shot down the road. However, Adesanya needs to avoid looking past Du Plessis, as the South African has been the reason many parlays have failed over the last few years.
Adesanya's return to action is eagerly anticipated by fans and pundits alike. His competitive spirit and unique fighting style make every one of his matches a must-watch. The prospect of seeing him back in the Octagon is indeed fascinating.
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