After suffering setbacks in two title fights, Israel Adesanya is now scheduled to face Nassourdine Imavov in a Fight Night event set to take place in Saudi Arabia on February 1. However, Adesanya recently revealed that his preferred opponent was Khamzat Chimaev, expressing his desire for a fight against him.
Following back-to-back losses, including a submission defeat to Dricus du Plessis and a decision loss to Sean Strickland at UFC 293, Israel Adesanya finds himself in an unfamiliar position. While preparing to face Imavov, ‘Izzy’ revealed that Khamzat Chimaev’s dominant victory over Robert Whittaker at UFC 308 sparked his desire for a future showdown with ‘Borz.’ In a recent video on his YouTube channel, FREESTYLEBENDER, Adesanya reflected on Chimaev’s performance, saying,
“I was surprised [by] the way Khamzat ran through Rob [Robert Whittaker]. That was crazy. That made me want to fight him. I was like, ‘S*it! This guy is really really good.'”
Currently, Chimaev is focused on securing a title shot in the middleweight division, which means Adesanya may have to wait longer for a potential showdown with “Borz.” As of now, there are no updates on Chimaev’s next opponent or fight plans.
Israel Adesanya Dismisses Plans For YouTube Boxing After Retirement
After consecutive losses, including at UFC 305, Israel Adesanya has shut down retirement rumors and plans to continue his MMA career. However, the 35-year-old former champion has ruled out exhibition boxing, a route popular among many UFC veterans. Speaking on The Flagrant Podcast, Adesanya admitted he doesn’t find matches against YouTubers or retired fighters appealing unless the payday is extraordinary. Jokingly, he said,
“Nah hell no hell no, maybe some wrestling maybe. I mean, f*ck 20 million bro, I’ll pray on it….But we’ll see. But I just don’t think anything.”
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While Adesanya remains focused on his UFC career, he is also contemplating life beyond fighting, expressing little interest in chasing trends solely for financial gain. Nevertheless, his UFC accomplishments have solidified a legacy that few can match. Fans are eager to see what the future has in store for the former two-time champion.
Also Read: Dana White Officially Announces 2 Highly Anticipated Title Fights For UFC 311 In January; Fans React
