Israel Adesanya News
Dana White on Robert Whittaker: "I don’t think he’s going to get a title shot next"
Adam Martin - January 10, 2021
UFC president Dana White hinted that Robert Whittaker will have to fight again, saying “I don’t think he’s going to get a title shot next.” After beating Jared Cannonier at UFC 254, most figured that the UFC matchmakers would look to book a rematch between Whittaker and UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya, the man who took his title back at UFC 243. Instead, Adesanya is moving up to fight UFC light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz in March. That leaves Whittaker in a tough position because he’s done enough to earn a rematch against Adesanya, but at the same time, the champ may not return to 185lbs.
Joanna Jedrzejczyk breaks down Jan Blachowicz vs. Israel Adesanya
Adam Martin - January 4, 2021
Former UFC strawweight champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk broke down the upcoming 205lbs matchup between Jan Blachowicz and Israel Adesanya. Jedrzejczyk and Blachowicz have been friends for years as they are two of the best fighters to ever come out of Poland. Ahead of Blachowicz’s upcoming title defense at UFC 259 for the UFC light heavyweight championship against Israel Adesanya, Jedrzejczyk spoke to South China Morning Post and broke down the matchup. While she acknowledges that she has a close friendship with Blachowicz, she also admits Adesanya is a unique challenge.
Jon Jones taunts Israel Adesanya and Jan Blachowicz: "I didn’t leave the light heavyweight division to challenge myself, I ran out of fear"
Chris Taylor - January 2, 2021
Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones has reacted following news that Israel Adesanya will challenge Jan Blachowicz. Earlier this week, Dana White announced that the promotions reining middleweight champion in Adesanya would be moving up a weight class to challenge Blachowicz for the 205-pound title at UFC 259.
Video | Israel Adesanya reacts after booking title fight with Jan Blachowicz at UFC 259
Chris Taylor - December 31, 2020
Israel Adesanya will look to become a UFC champ-champ in 2021 when he challenges Jan Blachowicz for the promotions light heavyweight title. The UFC’s reigning and undefeated middleweight champion, Adesanya (20-0 MMA), is set to collide with Blachowicz (27-8 MMA) in the main event of UFC 259 on March 6.
Dana White officially announces Israel Adesanya vs. Jan Blachowicz for the light heavyweight title
Cole Shelton - December 30, 2020
Israel Adesanya will look to become a UFC champ-champ in 2021. Ever since Jan Blachowicz became the light heavyweight champion, UFC president, Dana White has said he wants to make Blachowicz vs. Adesanya. Now, that is what happened as the UFC boss revealed to ESPN’s Brett Okamoto that the fight will take place on March 6 at UFC 259.
Israel Adesanya reacts after being voted ‘Fighter of The Year’ for 2020
Harry Kettle - December 28, 2020
UFC middleweight king Israel Adesanya has reacted to being named Fighter of the Year in the Fighters Only World MMA Awards. Adesanya managed to register two big wins in 2020, and while his victory over Yoel Romero may have been controversial, the success against Paulo Costa was as emphatic as it gets.
Israel Adesanya named Fighter of the Year at World MMA Awards, full list of winners revealed
Adam Martin - December 27, 2020
UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya was named winner of the Charles “Mask” Lewis Fighter of the Year award at the World MMA Awards. Adesanya took home the top prize of the night in being voted as the best fighter of the year, and he was among a number of deserving award winners at the 12th World MMA Awards. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 12th edition of the Fighters Only World MMA Awards took place remotely on December 27, 2020. It should be noted the awards timeline for inclusion stretched from January 2019 to July 2020. Check out the full list of this edition’s winning fighters below (via MMAjunkie.com).
Israel Adesanya will get light heavyweight title shot before Glover Teixeira, confirms Dana White
Adam Martin - December 16, 2020
UFC president Dana White confirmed that Israel Adesanya will get the next light heavyweight title shot before Glover Teixeira does. Adesanya knocked out Paulo Costa in the main event of UFC 253 in September to defend the UFC middleweight title, and in the co-main event of that card, Jan Blachowicz knocked out Dominick Reyes to win the vacant UFC light heavyweight title. Following UFC 253, White surprised a lot of fans and media when he said the promotion liked the idea of seeing Adesanya move up to 205lbs to take on Blachowicz in a bid to become a double champion.
Marvin Vettori sends ominous message to Israel Adesanya: "I’m going to be your worst f**king nightmare until the day you f**king retire"
Tom Taylor - December 9, 2020
Surging UFC middleweight contender Marvin Vettori has sent a threatening message to the division’s reigning champion Israel Adesanya. Vettori and Adesanya have fought previously, as Adesanya defeated the Italian by split decision back in 2018. Yet Vettori has not beaten since, and after extending his win-streak to four-straight with a huge win decision over Jack Hermansson last weekend, is well positioned for a potential championship rematch with the Nigerian-born Kiwi.
Israel Adesanya explains why he wants his future opponents to attempt takedowns: “I’ve got some tricks that I want to use”
Harry Kettle - December 9, 2020
UFC middleweight king Israel Adesanya wants to see some of his future opponents test the waters with some takedown attempts. Adesanya is riding high in the UFC right now after he was able to successfully defend his Middleweight Championship earlier this year courtesy of a picture perfect display against divisional rival Paulo Costa.
Marvin Vettori responds to Israel Adesanya’s claim that they will never fight again
Adam D Martin - December 6, 2020
Marvin Vettori responded to UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya’s bold claim that they will never fight again inside the Octagon. Vettori defeated Jack Hermansson via unanimous decision in the main event of Saturday’s UFC Vegas 16 for the biggest win of his career to date. Vettori should take over Hermansson’s old spot at No. 4 in the rankings following the victory, which is the Italian’s fourth straight win in a row. It puts Vettori just a few spots behind Adesanya in the UFC middleweight title ranks. Another win or two and Vettori could get a title shot.
Demetrious Johnson responds to Israel Adesanya's GOAT comment
Tom Taylor - December 2, 2020
ONE Championship flyweight star Demetrious Johnson has responded to some recent praise from UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya. Adesanya was recently asked who he considers the greatest fighter in MMA history, and promptly identified Johnson as his pick.
Israel Adesanya takes a jab at the UFC's Reebok deal during 'Tyson vs. Jones Jr.' broadcast
Christopher Taylor - November 28, 2020
UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya took a jab at the promotions deal with Reebok during tonight’s ‘Tyson vs. Jones Jr.’ broadcast. ‘Stylenbener’, who is serving as a commentator for tonight’s highly anticipated Mike Tyson vs. Roy Jones Jr. exhibition bout, suggested that the UFC’s deal with Reebok lacked the originality boxers are able to utilize.
Israel Adesanya to serve as "ringside analyst" for Mike Tyson vs. Roy Jones Jr. card
Tom Taylor - November 24, 2020
UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya is slated to appear as a “ringside analyst” for the upcoming Mike Tyson vs. Roy Jones Jr. boxing card. Tyson and Jones, two legends of the boxing ring, will meet in a special, eight-round exhibition bout this Saturday night. The undercard of the event will feature names like Jake Paul, Nate Robinson, Badou Jack, Rashad Coulter, and as it turns out, we’ll also be hearing from Adesanya during the broadcast.
Coach claims Jon Jones is following in Israel Adesanya's footsteps
Tom Taylor - November 23, 2020
Coach Eugene Bareman claims Jon Jones has followed in the footsteps of his star pupil Israel Adesanya — and not the other way around. While Jones has been in the UFC far longer than Adesanya has, Bareman notes that Jones only decided to move from light heavyweight to heavyweight when Adesanya began considering a move from middleweight to light heavyweight.
Israel Adesanya goes off on MMA manager for being a “clout trout”
Adam Martin - November 20, 2020
UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya went off on manager Abe Kawa in a social media rant, accusing the agent of being a “clout trout.” Adesanya will be providing analysis for next weekend’s Mike Tyson vs. Roy Jones Jr. boxing exhibition match. However, according to Kawa, his client Jorge Masvidal was offered the opportunity to be an analyst first and he turned it down. Adesanya did not like what Kawa said and took it as an opportunity to reveal that in 2018, Kawa tried to recruit Adesanya to his stable of fighters at First Round Management. He posted screenshots, too.
Jan Blachowicz foresees "problems" for Israel Adesanya at light heavyweight
Tom Taylor - November 18, 2020
UFC light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz has sent a warning to UFC middleweight champion, Israel Adesanya. Blachowicz is expected to defend his title against Adesanya sometime in the first quarter of the new year. Ahead of the fight, which will mark Blachowicz’s first title defense and Adesanya’s debut in the division, the light heavyweight champ has some words of caution for his rival.
Jon Jones has a message for Israel Adesanya: “There’s no red panty night without me”
Harry Kettle - November 17, 2020
Former UFC light heavyweight king Jon Jones has sent a clear message to rival Israel Adesanya regarding a potential showdown between the two. While both men may seem to be heading in different directions right now, it seems like just a matter of time before two of the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s true greats square off inside the Octagon.