The Israel Adesanya next fight news should arrive in the next few months. Until then, we look at three potential opponents and recap his disappointing loss to Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 305.
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Who will Israel Adesanya next fight be against?
Despite his best efforts, Adesanya was unable to defeat reigning middleweight king Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 305. If he wants a title fight he will need to reclimb the ladder. However, he could possibly do so at either 185 or 205 pounds. That is why a matchup with the winner of Khamzat Chimaev vs. Robert Whittaker, a rematch against Jan Blachowicz, or facing Jamahal Hill could be next.
- Title eliminator: Sean Strickland is expected to fight for the title next. If the UFC is looking to find a no-doubt next No. 1 contender, Adesanya facing the winner of Chimaev vs. Whittaker would do that.
- Polish Power: Blachowicz is the first man to hand Adesanya a loss in the UFC. If he wants to try his hand at a light heavyweight run, trying to get revenge against the Polish legend would be a good start.
- The former light heavyweight king: Another option at 205 to fast-track Adesanya to a title fight would be a fan-friendly affair against another talented striker, former champion Jamahal Hill.
Israel Adesanya vs. Dricus Du Plessis recap
Despite a strong showing in the first half of the fight, and looking like he was heading to a win, Adesanya was unable to overcome the constant pressure and durability of Du Plessis at UFC 305. Suffering his first submission loss in MMA.
What Happened: Adesanya showed he was the better striker and was doing a good job defending takedowns early. However, the South African’s durability became a huge weapon as the fight played out and he used it to eventually land some big shots and a key takedown that set up a fourth-round submission win.
The Fallout: This is Adesanya’s third loss in his last four. All title fights. He will now have to earn at least two big wins before he gets another UFC title shot.
The Roadmap: The New Zealander has some interesting options and could be fast-tracked into an eventual title opportunity if he was willing to try his hand at light heavyweight in his next fight.
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What makes Israel Adesanya so popular?
Adesanya truly is a one-of-a-kind combat athlete. He is akin to Muhammad Ali and Roy Jones, Jr. in mixing world-class physical gifts with it-factor charisma. The native of New Zealand is a perfect representation of the era he dominated in and will surely go down as many Gen Z fans’ favorite UFC fighter.
The Avatar of the UFC: Adesanya is a top three pound-for-pound talent because he can beautifully blend both the physical and mental sides of fighting into one dynamic combat package.
- Israel Adesanya Record: 24-4 (16 knockouts)
- Adesanya has never lost at middleweight. During his six-year run in the UFC, he’s beaten elite fighters like Derek Brunson, Paulo Costa, Marvin Vettori (twice), Robert Whittaker (twice), Alex Pereira, and Yoel Romero.
- In a clash of generations, Adesanya fought his idol, and the man considered the greatest MMA middleweight of all time, Anderson Silva, in 2018. Although the then-43-year-old Silva showed the heart of a lion, his younger counterpart was the better man and won by unanimous decision.
- Before he jumped to MMA, Adesanya was a world-class kickboxer. Amassing a 75-5 record with 48 KOs.
The Stylish Bender: The New Zealand resident has become a sports superstar by unabashedly being himself. A confident, cocky, funny, and creative man that connects with the 18 to 35 age demographic that all sports properties and advertisers want.
- Adesanya has over nine million followers on his various social media accounts, including six million on Instagram.
- The champ also runs popular OnlyFans and YouTube pages. His YouTube channel has millions of subscribers, which helps him earn a solid income from his videos.
- Adesanya made headlines in 2021 when he took part in the “Black Lives Matter” protests in New Zealand. At the protest, he gave a passionate speech and used his fame to help push the popular social movement.
Israel Adesanya’s net worth
Money is often one of the greatest measuring sticks for a fighter’s success. As of 2021, Adesanya’s net worth is estimated to be $4 million.
