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Israel Adesanya’s fans may not have to wait till 2027 for the fighter to return! The former UFC middleweight champion has been on a hiatus from competition. His time away from the Octagon came after he lost his belt to Sean Strickland at UFC 293. While Strickland was considered a heavy underdog coming into the fight, he delivered a stunning upset when he dominated ‘The Last Stylebender’ for all 5 rounds of the clash!

As such, after the fight, Adesanya stated that he wanted to take some time away from the sport to focus on himself. But in a recent interview, he dropped a massive hint when he stated that “You will see me soon”. His comments come at a time when Khamzat Chimaev has also been sharing cryptic messages on his social media with the target being Adesanya! As such, the comments online by fans indicate that the community may be worried about his chances in the potential matchup against ‘Borz’!

Fans concerned about Israel Adesanya and his chances against ‘Borz’ 

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Israel Adesanya might return to action sooner than initially suggested. The two-time UFC middleweight champion, on a self-imposed break since losing to Sean Strickland in September, hinted at an earlier comeback during a recent interview with iFL TV.

He stated, “Life has forced me to take some time off and I will. But you will see me soon. I said 2027 and the r**ards out there actually thought I meant that, but you’ll see.

The identity of his potential opponent in 2024 remains uncertain, but the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev has emerged as a contender to possibly clash against him at UFC 300! As such, the community has been left divided when choosing who would win in this matchup!

 

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Here’s how the community reacted:  

Fans mentioned Alex Pereira’s call out of Adesanya 

Pereira offered u a title shot. Win or lose idk how u don’t take that

Others were confused at what prompted the talks of the Chimaev bout

Lol wait… how did he hint at Khamzat?

Some even claimed that Adesanya is not ‘missed’ by the fans

Cringe asf…we don’t miss him and his frosted nails

Fans also highlighted the difficult matchup Chimaev offers to Adesanya 

Where did he hint that he wanted khamzat? That’s the worst matchup for him

Read More: “Atleast He Didn’t Call Dricus a…” – Israel Adesanya Mocks Sean Strickland and Du Plessis for Scuffle at UFC 296

Others picked Chimaev to win the potential matchup

Khamzat by 3rd degree manslaughter

But some fans want Adesanya to win instead 

I like this match up. Let’s go Izzy

‘Borz’ and his dominance was also repeatedly mentioned by the fans 

Khamzat is gonna mop him up

He should better not fight chimaev 

Therefore, fans express varied opinions on the potential matchup between Israel Adesanya and Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 300. Some suggested that Adesanya had a title shot offer from Pereira and questioned his decision not to take it. Despite the skepticism, there is support for the matchup, with some fans excited about the prospect of Adesanya facing Chimaev. However, a cautious sentiment has also emerged as some fans advised Adesanya against fighting Chimaev, emphasizing potential challenges in the matchup.

As the speculation continues, it remains to be seen whether Adesanya will choose to face Chimaev or a different opponent, if he does return at UFC 300. But ‘Poatan’, Adesanya’s arch-rival, has recently indicated that he may be done with their saga in the UFC!

‘Poatan’ doubts Adesanya’s resolve for a rematch against him

Alex Pereira has thrown the ball into Israel Adesanya’s court regarding a potential trilogy bout. After securing the UFC light heavyweight title with a victory over Jiri Prochazka, Pereira immediately called for a third meeting with Adesanya. Despite having won two of their four encounters, Adesanya is currently on a hiatus from competition.

Pereira, at a recent Q&A session in France, remarked, “It was his dream to win against me, he did it. So now getting into this cage again with me, he knows everything can happen, and he can lose again, so I’m really doubting if he’s motivated to fight me again.”

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Adesanya had previously mentioned a potential bout at 205 pounds, if Pereira claimed the title in that division. However, his interest in changing divisions seems to have waned since Pereira’s title win.  Pereira also stated that he doubts Adesanya’s motivation for a rematch and remains open to facing any opponent, potentially in a Brazil homecoming.

It remains to be seen if Adesanya will return at UFC 300 and who will be standing across the cage from him!

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Do you think Israel Adesanya has a chance to snap Khamzat Chimaev’s undefeated streak if the matchup materializes next year? Share your thoughts in the comments below! 

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