Ali Abdelaziz on Kamaru Usman vs Israel Adesanya Super Fight: “Mike Tyson Told Me This, ‘If They are Real Brothers, They Should Fight”

Kamaru Usman has dominated the UFC welterweight division to rise to the top of the men’s pound-for-pound rankings. Likewise, Israel Adesanya has dominated the middleweight division to rise to #3 in the rankings.

Usman has a wrestling-heavy style, and he is big for 170 lbs. Considering this, many believe ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ will fare well against the MW champion. Adding Adesanya’s struggle on the ground against Jan Blachowicz, this looks like a favorable matchup for WW champion. Usman, though, is against the idea of him taking a belt from a fellow African.

Speaking to TMZ, Usman’s manager Ali Abdelaziz revealed Mike Tyson’s thoughts on the fight. Abdelaziz said, “Mike Tyson told me they [Usman and Adesanya] need to fight. Mike Tyson told me this, if they are real brothers, they should fight for them to make money.”

Usman lives in the US but proudly represents his birth country, Nigeria, whereas Adesanya represents both New Zealand and Nigeria. Hence, the Nigerian has dismissed this fight, as he feels it is better for Africa to have three champions.

Also Read – Jake Paul Subtly Brands Khabib Nurmagomedov a Liar Amidst Talks of Eagle FC MMA Deal

Both Usman and Adesanya have dismissed the matchup in the past. Though recently Usman has opened a window for this fight. He proposed that if the UFC wants to push for this match-up; they need to compensate both the fighters.

How much money can a Kamaru Usman vs Israel Adesanya fight generate?

The matchup stylistically is appealing, but will it create a PPV record like Conor McGregor’s fight? All the champions vs champions fights have done average business apart from McGregor vs Eddie Alvarez at UFC 205.

Some of these fights have involved big names like Stipe Miocic, Daniel Cormier, TJ Dillashaw, Henry Cejudo, and even Israel Adesanya. So historically, the two champions fighting is not a guarantee for huge PPV sales.

Kamaru Usman has shown decent PPV drawing power when met with the right contenders like Jorge Masvidal or Colby Covington. Likewise, Adesanya has also fared above average with PPV.

These two do around 500-700K at the PPV. However, them fighting against each other with no animosity, may not animate the fans.

The UFC can’t promise a lot of money to these fighters beforehand. However, both champions can rely on PPV money if they believe their fight can do astonishing numbers.

The promotion targets big fights when they see one, but there’s no desperation from the UFC to have these two go at each other.

WATCH THIS STORY – Five Times Kamaru Usman Annihilated his opponents in the UFC

What is your take on this contest? Will these two ever fight each other in the UFC? How many PPVs will this bout do? Let us know in the comments section below.