Dana White’s Promise Doesn’t Sit Well as Daniel Cormier’s Condemnation of Israel Adesanya’s Rematch Against Sean Strickland Sees Widespread Support

Israel Adesanya faced a humbling loss at the world’s biggest MMA promotion at UFC 293. ‘Stylebender’s opponent, Sean Strickland, scored a unanimous decision victory to become the new middleweight king after a thoroughly dominant performance. The upset loss was a massive shock to the MMA community, as Adesanya was considered one of the best middleweight fighters in the history of the promotion. About the loss, the Nigerian-born fighter had little to say, as he never expected this downfall.

Presently, he is expected to take some time off to reflect on the loss. But will he come back for a rematch against Strickland? Soon after the bout, Dana White made it clear that ‘Stylebender’ would get yet another title shot against the American. However, the former UFC double champion, Daniel Cormier, has thought about this and has detailed that Israel Adesanya should not get a rematch against his UFC 293 opponent. The Hall of Famer has stated his reason for the disapproval and many fans seem to agree with him.

Daniel Cormier claims Israel Adesanya does not deserve a rematch

Israel Adesanya lost his middleweight belt for the first time against his longtime rival, Alex Pereira. Soon after the loss, the majority wanted a rematch between the two, and when they locked horns for the second time in the promotion at UFC 287, ‘Stylebender’ reclaimed his throne with a devastating KO victory.

Unfortunately, his second reign as the middleweight kingpin was short-lived. Within five months, he lost the belt to Strickland at UFC 293. However, the UFC president wanted Adesanya to lock horns against ‘Tarzan’ in the near future.

Adesanya was on an impressive winning streak in the division when he fell to Pereira. Hence, there were few complaints about his immediate rematch against ‘Poatan.’ However, that is not the case here. Further, his recent loss puts him at 4-3 in his last 7 fights. On top of these factors, Cormier’s claims have become huge factor is swaying the minds of the fans.

Daniel Cormier strongly believes that it’s time for the middleweight division to move on. DC said during the post-event wrap-up on ESPN+ PPV, “The last time Izzy lost, all we could speak about was he should be next again. I don’t think that this time. I don’t think he should fight for a belt next time.”

READ MORE: True African Fight Interrupted as Dricus Du Plessis Can’t Believe Sean Strickland Dropped Israel Adesanya at UFC 293 in One of the Biggest Upsets in MMA History

Cormier added, “I don’t think he should get an automatic rematch. I think the division needs to move on a little bit.” Cormier’s comment found its way to Reddit. Regardless of Adesanya’s huge fanbase, netizens agreed with the perspective of the former double champion. They felt that ‘Izzy’ did not deserve yet another title clash.

Fans back Cormier over Adesanya rematch claim

One fan agreed with ‘DC’ strongly that Adesanya should not get another title shot so that the middleweight division could grow further. Another fan pointed out how the Nigerian fighter was not able to defend his middleweight belt at least once after reaching the top for the second time. One netizen pointed out how Adesanya failed to add any exciting element to the bout. Because of the same reason, the fan does not want a rematch.

• “Yeah. He got outclassed in every single regard. Let the division grow.”
• “I mean, yeah. Lad just won the belt back, no defenses on his current run, he needs to re-earn the title shot”
• “agreed.. no controversy, he got beat convincingly and didn’t do anything exciting. I have no interest in seeing that rematch at all”

Two fans pointed out how Adesanya lost two title bouts out of the three he fought. According to them, this alone is a valid reason why he should not get a rematch.

• “He’s 1-2 his last 3, that’s not exactly screaming rematch to me, DDP gets the title shot, izzy fights winner of Khazmat-Costa”
• “He lost the belt twice in 3 fights. I agree. No immediate rematch please.”

Another fan wanted to witness a bout between Strickland and Dricus Du Plessis. Such a bout would be an enormous opportunity for Strickland to prove his wrestling skills. One fan even took a shot at Adesanya and said he should quit fighting and start a dog shelter.

• “Agreed, Seans been hyping up his wrestling abilities so lets see him against DPP.”
• “I think it’s time for Israel Adesanya to move on to other things. Perhaps charity work or something good for the community, maybe start a dog shelter.”

Regardless of these contrasting opinions, Dana White wants a rematch between the two. As such, the fans may soon witness Adesanya fighting for the middleweight title again. What are your thoughts about Israel Adesanya getting a rematch? Do you think that he deserves it? Let us know your take in the comments below.

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