Cormier questions Adesanya's early return and suggests reason for the Nigerian's decision

D. Cormier (center) gave his opinion on A. Poatan (left) and I. Adesanya (right). Photo: Reproduction/Super Fights Montage

Former UFC middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg.), Israel adesanya surprised the commentator Daniel Cormier, after announcing the rematch against Alex Poatán, in April. For the former fighter, the Nigerian's legacy placed him ahead of other opponents and therefore, he would not have to fear a possible 'queue jumping' from rivals in the division.

“Two factors: Why is this happening now? And why is this happening? One: Obviously, we all knew it would be at the decision or discretion of Israel adesanya whether or not he would get a title fight. From the moment he lost, I was saying and shouting, 'If anyone deserves an immediate rematch, it's Israel adesanya'. Because of what he did in the middleweight division. Maybe he's worried that if Pereira fights someone else, he'll lose," Cormier said on his YouTube channel. Youtube.

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In addition to the question asked, Cormier suggested the biggest reason for Israel to worry about having the rematch as soon as possible.

“Izzy still has a ton of tricks up her sleeve, but I just questioned whether or not the decisions being made are based on Poatan's recently stated desire to ask for Jamahal to avenge his mentor and training partner, Glover Teixeira. It simply seemed that before the statements, Israel did not intend to return at this time”, concluded the former UFC fighter.

Defeated in November, Israel adesanya he had been expressing his desire to take revenge on Poatan. In an episode with Glover Teixeira, the Nigerian told the Brazilian that 'the war is not over yet'.

New middleweight champion, Alex Poatán He will have his first title defense on April 8th, where he will have his second fight with Adesanya in Ultimate. In the first confrontation, Pereira was declared the winner via technical knockout in the fifth round.