Adesanya's trainer says he doesn't know about TUF between champion and Borrachinha

E. Bareman (left) poses with I. Adesanya (right). Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

A cold shower for those who expected Israel adesanya e Paulo borrachinha would star in the next edition of 'The Ultimate Fighter' (TUF). One of the main points of the current middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg.), Eugene Bareman, countered the statements made by Joe Rogan, the UFC's main commentator, who had highlighted, last week, the participation of the Brazilian and Nigerian in the new edition of the reality show.

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“Probably Joe Rogan heard some information that is not true. So far, nothing has come across my desk about a fight between Israel adesanya e Paulo borrachinha. Absolutely nothing, just like 'The Ultimate Fighter'. So that the reality show happens, a lot needs to be done. It would be much more of a business decision. For example, how much would Israel's participation help it make money? If this participation added a few zeros to the earnings from pay-per-view, it would certainly be worth it. But even so, we would have to think, because the stories we hear about TUF are that the environment is not the best, it is very tough”, said Eugene, in an interview with 'Submission Radio'.

The logistics problem, as well as the financial issues are not the only problems for the program to be negotiated. For Bareman, first of all, the agreement must go through his review and, if everything is agreed, the plan could go ahead.

“The final decision on who Israel will defend its belt against and whether or not he will participate in TUF is mine, and I have received absolutely nothing on either subject. Therefore, none of them are even being discussed at this time. The papers need to get to my desk and, right now, there's nothing on it. I imagine that if Israel were to face Paulo borrachinha, the fight will take place in September at the earliest”, concluded Bareman.

Paulo and Adesanya have been public rivals for at least a year. The athletes are confessed enemies and have already made the confrontation one of the most anticipated in recent years.

Borrachinha has not played since August last year. The athlete was the favorite to face the Nigerian in his rival's first title defense, but ended up injured and overtaken by Yoel romero.

The Cuban and Adesanya faced each other in March this year, in a fight that was highly criticized by fans and members of the specialized press. In the confrontation, Israel defeated Romero in a duel marked by a lack of combativeness.