3 possible next opponents for Israel Adesanya after UFC 305 loss

As a seasoned gamer of MMA fights, I’ve witnessed my fair share of epic bouts, but the one between Israel Adesanya and Dricus du Plessis at UFC 305 will forever remain etched in my memory. The middleweight titan failed to clinch his third title, succumbing to a choke in the fourth round against an impressive opponent. Yet, I firmly believe that this setback won’t tarnish Adesanya’s legacy; instead, it might even add another layer of intrigue to it.

In the main event of UFC 305, Israel Adesanya (24-4) was unable to secure a third UFC middleweight title against current champion Dricus du Plessis (22-2), as he submitted to a fourth-round rear-naked choke. This fight was an exceptional display of middleweight combat that left both competitors and the Perth, Western Australia crowd breathless with anticipation, as well as those watching at home. As Adesanya and du Plessis part ways, speculation about their futures has begun. What lies ahead for Israel Adesanya?

35-year-old Adesanya has fought for the title consecutively for 12 times, but unfortunately, he has suffered two consecutive losses – a first in his career. Regardless of the outcome, he showcased impressive moves like powerful body kicks and impactful punches. Given that he’s been defeated, it seems he may need to secure a couple more victories before earning another shot at the title. During his post-match press conference, he was nonchalant about an immediate rematch, expressing, “I’m not particularly eager to reclaim it.”

Adesanya has built such an impressive legacy that it’s challenging for him to damage it any further. Not only is he considered one of the greatest champions of this time, but his name is often mentioned alongside the best middleweight champions in history. It seems his strategy is to continue competing and adding more achievements to his list, as he made clear after his fight that he has no intention of retiring, emphatically stating “I’m not fucking leaving” during his post-fight interview with Daniel Cormier.

As a devoted fan, I find myself in an anticipatory yet uncertain position as some of UFC’s top middleweights are gearing up for their upcoming fights. This leaves my champion, Adesanya, in a sort of holding pattern. He could choose to patiently await the outcomes of these battles, step into the ring with an opponent not currently ranked among the division’s top 10, or seize a sudden opportunity and fill in for an injured fighter on short notice.

Viewing UFC matches will be eagerly anticipated by fans whenever Adesanya chooses to fight next. He didn’t specify a return date during his post-fight press conference, only saying, “You’ll see me again when you see me again.” Here are three potential opponents that Adesanya might face in the octagon when he returns:

1. Nassourdine Imavov

Nassourdine Imavov, currently boasting a record of 14 wins and 4 losses, is making waves as one of the top middleweights in the UFC. His recent success has kept him ranked as the division’s fourth best fighter, though this could change following UFC 305. In his latest bout at UFC Louiseville, he defeated Jared Cannonier (17-7). Upcoming, Imavov is set to battle Brendan Allen (24-5) in UFC Paris. If he maintains his victorious streak, a match against Adesanya could be a logical next step.

Much like Du Plessis, Imavov excels at combining various MMA techniques, whereas Adesanya is primarily known for his kickboxing expertise. However, it should be noted that Adesanya is incredibly difficult to knock out or submit, as he managed to resist this strategy until UFC 305, when he was the first fighter to successfully execute it against him. The upcoming match between Imavov and Adesanya will test Imavov’s grappling skills to the limit, and it remains uncertain how this contest will unfold.

Du Plessis has an extraordinary physical power that helps him during grappling, which often leads to him dominating his opponents like Adesanya. It remains to be seen if Imavov can adopt a similar strategy against Allen, who is a submission specialist. However, their ground battles could pose different challenges due to Allen and Adesanya having contrasting styles in such situations. Whether Imavov will seize the opportunity to make this callout or not, this fight could significantly impact the middleweight division.

2. Jack Hermansson

Jack Hermansson (24-9), who has been fighting in the UFC since 2016, is due for significant matches. At UFC Vegas 86, he delivered an impressive performance against rising star Joe Pyfer (13-3). Even at 36 years old, Hermansson continues to outmaneuver contenders. Ranked as the No. 9 fighter, a bout with Adesanya might seem like a step back for him, but it could provide a challenging test, particularly considering Hermansson’s proficiency in grappling.

Apart from Hermansson, Adesanya has taken on nearly every top-tier middleweight competitor. However, a fight with Hermansson didn’t seem likely in the past because he hadn’t consistently racked up enough victories to be recognized as the number one challenger. Nevertheless, Hermansson has been a consistent presence within the top 15, demonstrating his resilience and earning a reputation as one of the division’s toughest fighters.

As a devoted fan, I can attest that Hermansson’s fighting style is nothing short of impressive, with a staggering 11 career knockouts under his belt. His prowess in the octagon seems to lean towards striking, but it’s on the ground where he truly shines. His wrestling abilities are robust, and his submissions can catch you off guard like a surprise attack. In his career, he has executed six tap outs. Theoretically, this could make for a challenging matchup style-wise for Adesanya, unless he manages to maintain range and effectively prevent takedowns as he has demonstrated against past opponents.

Adesanya needs to keep challenging himself and accumulating remarkable wins against opponents who others may underestimate. This is essential if he wants to enhance his legendary status. A potential battle with Hermansson could be the initial step on that journey, as both martial artists have paths to victory, making their fight an intriguing possibility.

3. Loser of Robert Whittaker vs. Khamzat Chimaev

As a gamer, I’m pumped up about Robert Whittaker (28-7) and Khamzat Chimaev (13-0) facing off again at UFC 308. Unfortunately, our last matchup got canceled due to Chimaev falling ill. But here’s the exciting part: The winner of this bout is likely to secure a shot at the title. However, even if I lose, there are still plenty of opportunities waiting in the wings. Bring it on!

Previously, Whittaker and Adesanya have clashed twice, both times for the championship title, with Adesanya emerging victorious each time. Their UFC 271 rematch was a tight contest, and speculation about a potential third bout arose. If Whittaker is unable to secure another opportunity to challenge for the elusive middleweight belt, he might consider seeking revenge against his adversary, Adesanya.

As a gamer, I can tell you that whenever Whittaker and Chimaev step into the octagon, it’s bound to be an impressive technical showdown between two formidable opponents. At just 33 years old, Whittaker isn’t about to give up his title dreams; a defeat by Chimaev would merely delay them temporarily. Beating Adesanya, though, would definitely send a strong message that I’m here to stay in the UFC.

When Khamzat Chimaev enters the Octagon, there’s always a significant buzz. Even if he were to lose, it might slightly affect his popularity, but a match against Israel Adesanya would still be captivating. You see, during the early stages of Chimaev’s career, discussions emerged about him bypassing the middleweight rankings entirely and challenging Adesanya directly due to their perceived differences in wrestling skills.

As a gamer, I’m always tweaking my strategy based on past performances and upcoming challenges. So, if Adesanya decides to shake things up when he steps back into the Octagon next time, it could either highlight his strengths or reveal areas for improvement. If his adversary happens to be Chimaev, the outcome of that match could significantly impact Adesanya’s position as a middleweight contender in the future.

2024-08-19 01:14

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