Adesanya finds Weidman's challenge strange, but says what the result would be: 'It ends in the first round'

I. Adesanya (photo) analyzes what a fight against C. Weidman would be like. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

At the top of the world in the middleweight category (up to 83,9kg), Israel Adesaya will be the main target of competitors as long as he holds the belt. The Nigerian, however, was surprised by a challenge made by the former group champion, Chris Weidman, who is not going through a good phase in his career, but still considered a possible confrontation against the North American.

See too

VIDEO: Fighter delivers the 'most beautiful knockout in history' at UFC Ilha da Luta 5

Marlon Moraes is unfazed after defeat to Sandhagen and promises: 'I'm back in December'

Even though he lost at UFC Ilha da Luta 5, Amirkhani thanks Edson Barboza for the fight

“It was a little strange for me, but I already understood his game. I already know how to win. Let him bring the 'double leg' (look for the rival's two legs to take down), the 'single leg' (look for a rival's leg to knock down), let him try to press me against the bars. He won't trade punches with me. One good thing for him is that he knocked out Anderson Silva. At the weigh-in, he looked at Anderson and said: 'I'm not afraid of you'. I remember that,” said Adesanya, in an interview with 'MMA Junkie'.

Although he understands that Weidman is relatively far from a title fight, as he has lost five in his last seven fights, Adesanya does not rule out a possible fight. For the current champion, Chris has the ability to reverse his recent record and put himself in challenger status. The result, however, according to Israel, would not be positive for the North American.

“I told him that 'I'm looking forward to facing you one day'. I thought he would stay on top for a while, but unfortunately, he hasn't been doing well these days. It doesn't mean he can't come back. Look at Jan Blachowicz, he came back and is now the champion. I'm just saying I studied these guys. Weidman is already finished. The fight will end in the first round, if it happens. But you have to win some fights first, brother,” he concluded.

While Chris tries to find his career again, Adesanya couldn't be at a better time. The Nigerian recently overcame what would be the biggest challenge in his career, at least on paper. In September, the Nigerian defeated Paulo borrachinha with ease and defended his title for the second time.

Now, Israel is planning its next commitment. It is not yet known whether the fighter will test himself at light heavyweight (up to 93kg) or remain at middleweight for a while longer.