Expected to headline a pay-per-view return to Sydney, Australia for the UFC before the end of his year, undisputed middleweight champion Israel Adesanya claims his next outing will bring “something special” – no matter the outcome.
Adesanya, the current undisputed middleweight champion, topped UFC 287 again this past April, reclaiming the division’s throne with a stunning second-round knockout victory over arch-rival, Alex Pereira – defeating the Brazilian for the first time during a quadruple combat sports. series.
Back in November of last year, the City Kickboxing staple suffered his first professional loss at the middleweight limit in mixed martial arts, which resulted in a 5th round TKO loss to Pereira – as the duo rekindled their rivalry.
Expected to return to the Octagon to begin his second middleweight campaign before the end of this year, Israel Adesanya has been earmarked for the organization’s ‘Down Under’ pay-per-view title by UFC leader, Dana White.
And in terms of opponents, the Nigerian-Kiwi is expected to fight either former champion, Robert Whitaker in the duo’s third title fight, or South African contender, Dricos du Plessis – with the duo appearing in an elimination tournament at UFC 290 during International Fight Week in July.
Israel Adesanya is scheduled to fight Robert Whitaker or Dricus du Plessis next
Previewing his next tour under the promotion’s banner, Adesanya claimed he would be bringing “something special” to his next showdown.
“Face the Pain” by Israel Adesanya chirp. “Back in the day I heard that song… You know things are about to get real!! We’ve come such a long way as a sport. It’s been great to watch that growth… Then I jumped in and played my part in taking it to new heights.” And to millions (and millions) of new people around the world. My next game is going to be something special, no matter who wins. Who do you want to win, Rob or Dricos, and why?”