Not too long ago, the middleweight division was Israel Adesanya’s kingdom—a place where no contender dared to cross his throne. But times have changed, and the landscape has shifted dramatically. Since losing his crown to Sean Strickland at UFC 297, Adesanya has yet to find his way back to the win column, with whispers of his career nearing its twilight. Now, Daniel Cormier has stirred the pot, suggesting that Adesanya’s next test should be against rising star Anthony Hernandez.

Riding on a seven-fight winning streak, Anthony Hernandez stands at the #9 position in the middleweight division after the latest update. Daniel Cormier believes that ‘Fluffy’ is ready to take on bigger challenges and sees Israel Adesanya as the perfect opponent for him. “He’s won four fights in a row, right? It’s KO, sub, KO, unanimous decision. I think it’s time that we put this kid in there with someone real.”

He further added, “The question is, though—can you get him a fight with a guy… I can’t believe I’m about to say this, Chael, ’cause it just shows how far we’ve come—can you get a guy like Izzy to fight him?”  Daniel Cormier believes this fight won’t just be a challenge for Hernandez—it’s a tough test for Adesanya too, especially considering he’s on a three-fight losing streak. It’s worth noting that Adesanya has also been facing heat from fans, many of whom are quick to label him “washed.”

While having a Q&A with his fans, Israel Adesanya was marred by various comments from the fans who called him out for being washed but responding to them, ‘Izzy’ gave a pretty sarcastic answer: “They call me washed. But how are you gonna call me washed when you haven’t even been in the laundry? Like you haven’t gotten dirty, what have you done? That’s bars.”

Israel Adesanya‘s reign was something special. he fought anyone and everyone. The Nigerian-Kiwi set the bar for being an active UFC champion In his latest confession, the former middleweight champion emphasized that he doesn’t expect to fight for a title now.

Israel Adesanya gives his true thoughts on the third title run

Becoming the middleweight champion is still a dream for any fighter but Israel Adesanya grabbed that throne twice in his career. However, it appears that there will be no third time for him. While having a conversation on his YouTube handle last week, Israel Adesanya gave his honest evaluation on his third title run, “Do I have a title shot in mind for the future… No,” Adesanya laughed as he answered.

He further added, “When I got to the UFC, I never chased the belt; I expected it. After the [Du Plessis] fight I remember thinking, ‘Oh well. Cool, It’ll [the title] come around, I don’t have to chase it, because I expect it. But after this fight [with Imavov] I’m just like, ‘You know what? I’m not expecting anything. I’m not expecting to be the champion again.’ Like I said, if what I’ve done in this game doesn’t make me happy already, what will? So I’m not expecting it. If it comes, I’ll take it with both hands.”

There’s two sides to this approach. On a positive note, Adesanya has accepted that his time at the top is in the past, and is content with the legacy he has cemented. But what worries the fans is that he has lost his hunger, which could cost him future matchups against up-and-coming middleweights, like Imavov and Hernandez.

Israel Adeanya’s fall from grace is just one drop in the sea of disappointments. However, the former champion has ascertained that he will fight till he decides to retire from the world of MMA. Given that he already has a legacy set in stone, what are your thoughts on Anthony Hernandez vs. Israel Adesanya?