- Israel Adesanya now has a list of big-name potential title challengers to choose from
- Izzy is not keen on a trilogy fight with Alex Pereira and wants Dricus du Plessis if possible
After reclaiming his middleweight title by knocking out Alex Pereira at UFC 287, Israel Adesanya found himself in a familiar situation as challengers line up to become his next opponent.
Big names are calling Izzy out
It didn’t take long for potential challengers to express their desire to take on Adesanya. Just moments after “The Last Stylebender” finished “Poatan,” three big names swiftly made their pitch.
Controversial UFC rising star Khamzat Chimaev, who has been walking around the borderline of middleweight and welterweight, let Izzy and UFC president Dana White know that now is his turn to face the champ.
“now it’s my time. Let’s go make it happen @danawhite,” Chimaev wrote on Twitter.
now it's my time 👊🏼 let’s go make it happen @danawhite 🫡
— Khamzat Chimaev (@KChimaev) April 9, 2023
Meanwhile, No. 3 middleweight contender Marvin Vettori, who lost to Adesanya in their first two fights, flirted with the idea of a third match.
“Good game @stylebender. Down the road will do it a third time,” Vettori tweeted.
Good game @stylebender
Down the road will do it a third time— Marvin Vettori (@MarvinVettori) April 9, 2023
Even former light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz, who beat Izzy in his attempt to reach double-champ status at UFC 259, called for a rematch. But this time, Blachowicz said he will drop down to 185.
“Congratulations on a successful rematch, @stylebender. If you want to try another one, you know where to find me. This time at middleweight for your belt. #UFC287,” Blachowicz wrote.
Congratulations on a successful rematch, @stylebender. If you want to try another one, you know where to find me. This time at middleweight for your belt. #UFC287
— Jan Blachowicz (@JanBlachowicz) April 9, 2023
One target on sight
Adesanya made it clear that a trilogy fight with Pereira is no longer needed and he wants the Brazilian to earn his next title shot the hard way. Despite the wide array of potential challengers calling out his name, Izzy appears to have locked his sights on No. 6 middleweight contender Dricus du Plessis and if possible, he wants to face him in South Africa or Nigeria.
“I wanna whoop his ass in South Africa or Nigeria” -Izzy on Dricus Du Plessis pic.twitter.com/4NtUjOJdzB
— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) April 9, 2023
“I wanna whoop his a** so bad. I wanna do it in South Africa or Nigeria. But he’s gotta do work. He’s gotta do something. Show me something so I can whoop that a**. I don’t wanna give him no clout but If he does work, I pray to God he keeps winning. I will gladly drag his carcass across South Africa,” Adesanya said on his post-fight press conference.
It is yet to be determined who’s next for Adesanya but it appears that he will not run short of options.
