I. Adesanya has been UFC middleweight champion since 2019. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Highlight in the recent history of MMA, Israel adesanya he guarantees that he is excited about the next steps in his career. Middleweight champion (up to 83,9kg.), the Nigerian expressed his desire to keep his name at the top of the sport and, to this end, he wants to 'clean up' the division he has led since 2019. The athlete also spoke about his dream of taking on the crown in light heavyweight (up to 93kg.).
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“The idea of ‘cleaning’ the category excites me. I want to do it. It's not just about (Robert) Whittaker. It's about being superior to everyone. He's been on a run, beating some tough guys. I don't want to leave doubts and stick a flag in their (opponents') heads and make them understand that I dominate. That’s mine”, said the champion, in an interview with ‘The MMA Hour'.
Israel's dreams, however, go beyond remaining absolute champion in the 83,9kg division. The athlete keeps his dream of making history alive, too, in the top category. After a failed attempt at the beginning of this season, the Nigerian assured that the project was not closed after the dispute against Jan Blachowicz.
“The story is not over yet. There are many ways to make it happen. So, stay tuned. (…) I’m not one to give up. (…) When I went to light heavyweight, I did my best and it didn’t work. So, I will definitely fight for the title again”, he concluded.
In March, Adesanya moved up to the 93kg division. to try for his second UFC belt. The athlete, however, was stopped by Blachowicz's brute strength, which gave the Nigerian little chance. The setback for the Pole marked Israel's first defeat in professional MMA.
The stumble against Jan, however, did not affect the Nigerian's performance in the middleweight division. In June, the athlete returned to the octagon for another defense of his title. In the confrontation, Adesanya overcame Marvin vettori by points, in the repeat of a clash initially held in 2018.
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