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Israel Adesanya reveals he lost a golden opportunity in the UFC due to injury: 'It would have been exciting'

The former middleweight champion claims he was close to accepting a fight against Reinier de Ridder, but was ultimately sidelined due to an injury sustained in training.

Israel Adesanya fighting in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter/UFCBrasil

Israel adesanya fighting in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter/UFCBrasil

Israel adesanya He believes he missed a great opportunity within the UFC. The former middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg) was approached by the organization to replace him. anthony hernandez and face Ridder's Reinier in the main fight of UFC Vancouver, scheduled for October 2025. However, an injury sustained during training prevented him from stepping into the octagon and taking advantage of the chance to get closer to the top of the division again.

In a video posted on his official YouTube channel, the Nigerian revealed that the fight was practically set, but ended up being thwarted by a physical problem. According to Adesanya, he would have accepted the fight on short notice, something unprecedented in his career, which made the challenge even more exciting.

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“I was going to fight last year, but I got injured at the gym. That opportunity was taken from me. It would also have been a fight on short notice, and I’ve never done one of those, so it would have been exciting,” said Adesanya.

Reinier de Ridder was humiliated at UFC Vancouver.

Brendan Allen defeats Reinier de Ridder at UFC Vancouver. Photo: UFC Instagram

Brendan allen exceeds Ridder's Reinier No. UFC Vancouver. Photo Reproduction Instagram UFC

PUBLICITY:

With Israel adesanya Off the card, Brandan Allen took advantage of the opportunity and accepted to face it Ridder's Reinier in the main fight of UFC VancouverAfter a strong first round by the Dutchman, the American noticed a drop in his opponent's performance, who eventually appeared exhausted and gave up the fight between the fourth and fifth rounds.

Israel Adesanya has a chance to return to the win column in the UFC.

Adesanya promotes UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

PUBLICITY:

Going through a difficult phase in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), with three consecutive losses, Israel adesanya will have the opportunity to rehabilitate in UFC SeattleThe former middleweight champion faces joe pyfer in the main event, scheduled for March 28th.

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