What’s Next For Israel Adesanya?

Israel Adesanya defended his title at UFC 271 on Saturday night in Houston, and some people say it was a controversial decision. We on the other hand are looking forward to seeing who is next for the Middleweight Champion, who has dominated the division for so long. One obvious fight would be against Jared Cannonier who put on a great performance also on Saturday night. Could a fight with another champion be in the cards for Adesanya whether it be someone moving up to face him or Adesanya moving up. In this piece we go over the options for one of the best strikers in MMA history.

Jared Cannonier holds a great record at 15-5 and most think that he’d be an interesting match up for Adesanya. Cannonier is on a two fight win streak and has not faced Adesanya. Cannonier is a purple belt in Jiu Jitsu and might have the skills to take Adesanya down and submit him. Cannonier’s size is really his biggest advantage Cannonier has fought at Heavyweight, Light Heavyweight, and now at Middleweight. He also has Knockout power with 10 of his 15 wins coming by way of Knockout.

Another fight I think fans would love to see is a matchup between Adesanya and Welterweight Champion Kamaru Usman. Usman has lapped his division and there’s really nothing more for him to prove at 170. I think fans would love to see these two stellar Martial Artists go head to head with each other. They’ve talked about fighting in the past, but due to their friendship, and the money issue not being correct.

 I think that they have not actually firmly said they want to get into the Octagon and see who comes out on top. Usman and Adesanya both have really good takedown defense so this would likely be two of the best strikers standing and throwing shots at each other till someone gets knocked out or the final bell rings.

Another possibility would be Adesanya moving up to Light Heavyweight to try to become a double champ. Light Heavyweight is not a very deep division since the departure of Jon Jones it has really looked for an identity. I think Adesanya trying to move up again and getting the winner of Glover Teixeira and Jiri Prochazka which will be going down at UFC 274 in May. Adesanya recently tried to go up in weight to face former Lightweight Champion Jan Błachowicz but was unable to secure Champ Champ status.

Adesanya has some good fights to pick from, and we hope that he secures another title defense or goes after another title in his next outing.