A. Poatan (left) should be the next challenger for I. Adesanya's (right) belt. Photo: SUPER FIGHTS montage
Keeping an eye on the 'lackluster' performances of Israel adesanya, middleweight champion (up to 83,9kg.) in Ultimate, Dana White guarantees that the Nigerian will not have an easy life in his commitment against Alex Poatán. In a press conference after the UFC Long Island, the president, in addition to confirming the Brazilian as the next challenger, showed excitement even before the clash became official. The São Paulo native has two victories over 'Izzy' in his kickboxing days.
“He (Adesanya) won. I don't know if it was the performance he wanted or if it was sold before the fight. Your opponent (Jared Cannonier) was also not aggressive. We need two if we want a big showdown. That won't happen in your next fight, I promise you. I guarantee Adesanya’s next fight will be insane,” admitted White.
One of the biggest stars in recent UFC history, Adesanya has five middleweight title defenses. The athlete, however, has not had a brilliant performance since the triumph over Paulo borrachinha, at the end of 2020, when he knocked out the Brazilian in the second round.
Since the triumph over Tupiniquim, Israel has had three positive results, decided on points. The athlete passed Marvin vettori, Robert whittaker and, in early July, Cannonier.
New highlight of the organization, Poatan won the status of challenger after the show promoted on UFC 276. On that occasion, the Brazilian ran over Sean Strickand, maintaining the company's 100% success rate and officially reaching the group's elite.
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