Sonnen questions Adesanya's middleweight rating and says the champion 'needs to face' Covington

I. Adesanya (left) and C. Covington (right) won in their first challenges in 2022. Photo: SUPER FIGHTS montage

MMA commentator, Chael Sonnen is not satisfied with the lack of significant challenges in the trajectory of Israel adesanya as UFC middleweight champion (up to 83,9kg). The old rival of Anderson Silva, however, presented a solution that, according to the veteran, could bring shine to the Nigerian's reign. For the analyst, the solution is in Colby covington, welterweight star (up to 77kg.), who suggested moving up a division to fight directly for the belt.

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“Honestly, no one needs Colby more than Adesanya. I don't think Adesanya is aware of this yet, but he's starting to face people who aren't fulfilling their roles in the promotion, don't bring attention, and don't make the eventual clashes as big as they could be. I believe that if Israel looks at what Colby has to offer, it would be a partner they would want to do business with,” said Sonnen, in a statement to 'ESPN'.

PUBLICITY:

Middleweight champion since 2019, Adesanya has reigned supreme in the group since overcoming Robert whittaker No. UFC 243. Since his main achievement in MMA, the Nigerian has had four clashes in the under-83,9kg division, winning on every occasion.

In his last fight, Israel had a rematch against Robert. With the opportunity to regain the throne lost more than two years ago, the Australian ended up once again being surpassed by the Nigerian.

PUBLICITY:

After successfully debuting in the 2022 season, Adesanya still does not have a new challenge officially announced. After his second triumph against Whittaker, however, the fighter stated that he intends to face Jared Cannonier, currently number two in the ranking, which comes from a victory over Derek Brunson.