“He’s Not Calling the Shots Here”: Despite Making His Intentions to Face Dricus Du Plessis Clear, Israel Adesanya Snubs Him While Picking Khamzat Chimaev for Number One Contendership Next

The path to title contention is never static in the fight world. With Dricus Du Plessis unable to meet the quick turnaround requirement, Sean Strickland  (27-5 MMA, 14-5 UFC) has stepped up to the challenge. He is now scheduled for a title opportunity against the reigning middleweight champion, Israel Adesanya (24-2 MMA, 13-2 UFC). The fight will take place at the illustrious Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney on September 9.

Amidst this shifting backdrop, a new narrative emerges from an intriguing conversation. It involves David Adesanya, the champion’s own brother. The recent statement by Israel Adesanya, the reigning middleweight champion, has sparked conversations. These discussions highlight the dynamics of title opportunities.

Israel Adesanya on the next title contender

Adesanya, on his YouTube channel FREESTYLEBENDER, highlighted some points. These points have altered the narrative for the number one contender for the middleweight championship. The title focus shifts as Adesanya’s plan to fight Dricus Du Plessis takes a backseat to an unexpected choice: Khamzat Chimaev.

When asked by his brother, David Adesanya, whether Dricus Du Plessis had missed his immediate shot at the title. Could Khamzat Chimaev’s potential dominant performance against Costa catapult him into the position of the next number-one contender?

Adesanya, underlining the power dynamic in determining title challengers, stated, “Definitely, definitely.. um, but again I do want to fight Dricus, but he has to know, he’s not calling the shots here, that’s the thing. I am.. So.. again, a guy who’s like, ‘Oh my foot is this, my foot’s that..’ Yeah, look at me, my foot’s a balloon, but um, yeah, we’ll see, we’ll see there.”

High stakes showdown: Paulo Costa vs. Khamzat Chimaev

Amidst these discussions, a parallel narrative takes shape involving Paulo Costa (14-2 MMA, 6-2 UFC) and Khamzat Chimaev (12-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC). Known for his charismatic nature, Costa is all set to re-enter the octagon and give Chimaev an official welcome to the top echelons of the middleweight division. This pivotal matchup is slated for the Oct 21 fight card at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Fans are in for a treat with a year-long simmering rivalry between the two fighters.

Read More: Khamzat Chimaev Drops Bizarre Promise for Paulo Costa Days After Dana White’s Massive UFC 294 Abu Dhabi Confirmation

A run-in at the UFC Performance Institute in Las Vegas before Chimaev’s victory over Kevin Holland at UFC 279 triggered the rivalry. While Costa often adds humor and lightness to his interactions, the impending clash with Chimaev takes on a different tone.

The stakes are high, the “beef” is real, and the matchup promises to redefine the contours of the middleweight division. And as the storyline unfolds, Adesanya’s choice and the implications of Chimaev’s potential ascent underscore the intricate chess game that characterizes the world of MMA title contention.

When it comes to a challenge for Adesanya, who do you believe poses a tougher test for Adesanya: Dricus or Khamzat?” Comment your answers below.

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