Daniel Cormier believes Israel Adesanya needs to take time off after losing at UFC 293.
On Saturday night, September 9, Adesanya suffered a stunning unanimous decision loss against Sean Strickland for the UFC middleweight title. ‘The Last Stylebender’ has now lost two of his last three fights, creating concerns about his active schedule potentially being a negative factor.
During his UFC 293 reaction video on YouTube, Daniel Cormier had this to say about what should be next for Adesanya:
“I mentioned Adesanya didn’t look as good. I feel like he was tired [from being active]. That is why I will not be politicking for him to get a title fight again. I don’t think that Izzy should fight for the belt next.”
Cormier continued:
“I think Izzy should take some time. He should rest, let the division shake out a little bit, and then come back because that constant desire to be up for these level of fights is too much. Nobody can keep that. You can’t fight the most dangerous, best fighters in the world three times a year, year after year after year.”
Over the last three years, Israel Adesanya has fought eight times, all five-round fights, including five going the distance. In that time, Adesanya fought several top-ranked contenders (Sean Strickland, Paulo Costa, Marvin Vettori, Robert Whittaker, and Jared Cannonier), a two-fight series against his rival Alex Pereira, and Jan Blachowicz at light heavyweight.
Daniel Cormier discusses who should get the next UFC middleweight title shot
If Israel Adesanya decides to endure an extended layoff, the UFC middleweight division would be wide open for several top contenders. The primary option would be Dricus du Plessis, who was supposed to fight Israel Adesanya at UFC 293 before turning the bout down to avoid a two-month notice.
During the same video posted on YouTube, Daniel Cormier advocated for Du Plessis to get the next UFC middleweight title shot by saying:
“In terms of what’s next, I think Dricus Du Plessis earned his title shot. I think he earned the opportunity to fight for the belt. He was supposed to be here tonight. Could you imagine Dricus right now kicking himself by not being here to fight Adesanya? Crazy. I feel like he gets a title fight.”
Dana White wasn’t happy with Du Plessis turning down the UFC 293 main event opportunity. Therefore, it wouldn’t be impossible for Strickland’s first title defense to be against someone other than Adesanya or ‘Stillknocks.’ Cormier explained why by saying:
“The only way he doesn’t get that title fight is if, by some way, Khamzat Chimaev just starches Paulo Costa, and then the world starts to go crazy, begging for Khamzat Chimaev to get an opportunity to fight for the belt. This division starts a new. Every time one of these long-reigning champions loses their belt, we get to start over.”
The next UFC middleweight title shot could be determined on October 21 when Khamzat Chimaev takes on Paulo Costa. Chimaev is undoubtedly a massive superstar, giving him a chance to get the nod for a fight against Sean Strickland in early 2024.
It should also be noted that Dana White is interested in Israel Adesanya receiving an immediate rematch against Strickland.
