Israel Adesanya negotiates return to UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
The former middleweight champion (up to 83.9kg) of UFC, Israel Adesanya, could be close to a return to the Octagon. According to Fox Sports Australia, the Nigerian would be negotiating a fight against Dricus du Plessis for the division belt, in a clash that would be the main fight of UFC 305, in Perth, on August 17th.
The news, not yet confirmed by Ultimate, gained strength after the duel announcement in between Robert Whittaker It is Khamzat Chimaev for the first UFC event in Saudi Arabia on June 22.
Dana White, president of the organization, defined the fight as valid for the “number one spot” for the middleweight title, fueling speculation about Adesanya’s return.
Originally scheduled to face each other in UFC 293, Adesanya and du Plessis had their plans frustrated by an injury to the South African. “Stylebender” ended up facing Sean Strickland, who defeated him and won the belt. The rivalry between the two fighters is an additional ingredient to the expectations surrounding the possible confrontation.
Israel Adesanya back in the UFC
Considered one of the greatest MMA fighters today, Adesanya, 34, has a record of 24 wins and three losses.
The Nigerian dominated the middleweight division with five title defenses, racking up victories over the likes of Alex Poatan, Anderson Silva, Kelvin Gastelum, Paulo Borrachinha, Robert Whittaker (twice) and Yoel Romero.
