UFC legend disagrees that third consecutive loss is the end of the road for Israel Adesanya

Former champion Daniel Cormier believes Adesanya can still compete in the UFC, but without fighting for belts

ADESANYA CRYING

Israel adesanya cries at a press conference UFC 305 (Photo: Playback/YouTube)

Israel adesanya isn’t done with his UFC career yet — at least, that’s what one Hall of Famer and former two-division UFC champion believes. While he agrees that the Nigerian’s best days are behind him, Daniel Cormier disagrees that the defeat to Nassourdine Imavov No. UFC Saudi Arabia be the end of 'The Last Stylebender'.

In a video posted on his YouTube channel, Cormier said he believes Adesanya can still compete in the UFC, but not in title fights. For the Olympic medalist, the former champion should face lower-level opponents and fight fewer rounds.

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Anderson Silva (right) was defeated by Israel Adesanya (left) at UFC 234. Photo: Reproduction/ X/@ufcbrasil

“I believe Adesanya will not fight for belts anymore, but what I don’t believe is that he is finished as a fighter. What I saw in the first round was enough to convince me that he can still compete. What I really think is that Israel adesanya has earned the right to face lower-level competitors now, as well as fight fewer rounds,” Cormier said.

For 'DC', Israel adesanya still has commercial value and could feature in three-round co-main fights. Daniel Cormier highlights that the Nigerian continues to be a great attraction, but has lost some physical abilities, becoming more vulnerable as time goes by.

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“He could fight in the co-main event and still add value to a card. He doesn’t always have to be in those five-round main events. But when you look at what happened last weekend, Saudi Arabia, packed arena, big ticket sales, you can see why Adesanya is still being put in those positions. In the first round, I saw enough to say he can still compete. He was fast, he was sharp, but it’s not the speed he’s lost. It’s the ability to anticipate punches, the quickness of his vision. And as you get older, when you get hit, you go to the ground,” concluded the former champion.

Israel adesanya

Israel adesanya has fought 12 UFC title fights, accumulating a record of eight wins and four losses in title fights. After a long reign at middleweight, the Nigerian was dethroned by Alex Poatán No. UFC 281, but regained the title in the rematch at UFC 287. However, his second reign was brief, being surpassed by Sean Strickland No. UFC 293.

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