Israel Adesanya Makes Case For Middleweight Title Shot

Israel Adesanya

Israel Adesanya makes his case for a shot at the UFC middleweight title currently held by champion Robert Whittaker.

The rising contender earned the biggest win thus far in his pro-MMA career in his latest fight. He scored a decision win over former UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva in the headliner of the UFC 234 pay-per-view event. This event took place on February 9, 2019 at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, Australia.

Since Adesanya (16-0) signed with the UFC, he is 5-0 in the Octagon where he has made his name known as a rising prospect in the division. He scored a decision win against Brad Tavares on July 6 in Las Vegas and then over Derek Brunson at UFC 230 by first round TKO.

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Following this show, the top contender made his case as to why he should get the next title shot at Whittaker.

“I’m the No. 1 contender,” Adesanya told MMAjunkie. “I’m the guy fighting for the belt. I don’t care. Kelvin or Rob, whoever it is I don’t care. Whoever has the belt. Cause I see Kelvin walking around with that belt and I don’t know who gave it to him. I’m fighting for the belt next that’s all I know. I did my job. I showed up to work.”

“I can afford to do what I want right now,” Adesanya said. “I can wait out for as long as I need to because I’ve done so much for the company. I’ve played my part and I’m the No. 1 contender. ‘Jacare’ (Souza) can fight Kelvin, or they already fight – get a rematch. I don’t care. I showed up to work, that’s all I know.”