UFC

Israel Adesanya’s Stunning Fall Continues, Who Could The Former Champ Fight Next?

Disclosure
We publish independently audited content meeting strict editorial standards. Ads on our site are served by Google AdSense and are not controlled or influenced by our editorial team.
Israel Adesanya arrives to the UFC 248 Open Workouts in 2020

Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya’s career took another dramatic turn this past weekend as he suffered a shocking second-round TKO loss to Nassourdine Imavov at UFC Fight Night in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The defeat marks Adesanya’s third consecutive loss and fourth in his last five fights, leaving many to question the future of the once-dominant striker.

Imavov, the 28-year-old French fighter, seized the biggest opportunity of his career with both hands. Just 30 seconds into the second round, Imavov rocked Adesanya with a powerful right hand to the chin that sent the former champion crashing to the fence. Referee Marc Goddard gave Adesanya a chance to recover, but as the Nigerian-born fighter rolled onto his stomach and covered up, the fight was waved off.

The loss is particularly concerning for Adesanya fans, as it marks the second time he has been knocked out in less than three years – a stark contrast to his previously unblemished KO record in MMA. This defeat follows a submission loss to current champion Dricus Du Plessis in August and a decision loss to Sean Strickland in September 2023, which cost him the middleweight title.

For Imavov, the victory catapults him into title contention. “I proved I was a better striker and now, the real bonus for me is going to be fighting for the belt,” Imavov stated post-fight[2]. With four victories in one year, Imavov has certainly made a strong case for a title shot.

As for Adesanya, the 35-year-old now finds himself at a crossroads. While retirement speculation has begun to circulate, it’s likely that “The Last Stylebender” will look to regroup and make another run at the top. With that in mind, let’s explore three potential opponents for Adesanya’s next fight:

Robert Whittaker

A trilogy fight with Robert Whittaker makes sense for both fighters. A match would generate significant interest as two of the greatest middleweights in UFC history. Both men are coming off losses, and their history guarantees an intriguing stylistic matchup. Whittaker’s well-rounded skill set could provide Adesanya with a stern test as he looks to rebuild his confidence.

Jared Cannonier

A rematch with Jared Cannonier could offer Adesanya a chance to reassert himself against a top-10-ranked opponent. Their first encounter in 2022 saw Adesanya emerge victorious via unanimous decision. Cannonier’s power punching and improved grappling would present a formidable challenge, while allowing Adesanya to potentially showcase his striking prowess.

Paulo Costa

A rematch with Paulo Costa could be an intriguing option. Their first fight in 2020 was a dominant performance by Adesanya, but Costa has remained a relevant figure in the division. This matchup would give Adesanya a chance to recapture some of the magic from his title reign and potentially set up another run at the belt.

As Adesanya contemplates his next move, it’s clear that the middleweight division has evolved rapidly. The former champion’s recent struggles have opened the door for new contenders like Imavov, while established stars like Du Plessis and Strickland now occupy the top spots. Whether Adesanya can regain his form and make another title run remains to be seen, but his next fight choice will be crucial in determining the trajectory of his career.