Israel Adesanya’s Upcoming Fight: Is the UFC MW Champion Going to Face Sean Strickland at UFC 293 After Dricus du Plessis Bout Cancellation?

Israel Adesanya aka UFC’s ‘Stylebender’ continues to make headlines everywhere he goes. The UFC Middleweight champ is an embodiment of charisma and hard work. The ‘Stylebender’ first entered the octagon, having already made a name as a two-division kickboxing champion. In MMA, he proved just as devastating.

Out of his last 15 fights, ‘Izzy’ has won a record-breaking 13 times. What’s more – most of his wins are by knockouts, including his most recent bout against Alex Pereira at UFC 287, where he reclaimed what’s rightfully his – the UFC Middleweight champion belt. But what’s next for the ‘Stylebender’? 

When and where is Israel Adesanya’s next fight?

Ever since his dominant 2nd round victory over the ‘Poatan,’ fans have been waiting to see ‘Izzy’ back in action. But quite often, when Adesanya announces a clash, it somehow fades away and sometimes even fails to deliver. In a similar vein, Adesanya’s much-awaited clash with Dricus du Plessis has gone down the drain.

Recently, the Kiwi was making headlines regularly with his ongoing ‘real African’ beef with fellow fighter Dricus du Plessis. It all started when ‘Stillknocks’ made a rather bold claim – that he was going to be the first African UFC champion, who resides in Africa. The rather presumptuous claim rubbed Izzy in the worst way possible. 

After ‘Stillknocks’ beat Robert Whittaker at UFC 290, Izzy saw this as a perfect chance to publicly vent out his distaste towards the African fighter. During the UFC 290 post-fight events, the ‘Stylebender’ jumped in to ruin du Plessis’ celebrations. Without wasting any time, he released a barrage of retorts and slurs at ‘Stillknocks.’ And it seemed like all of this drama would culminate into a face-off sooner or later. But now that du Plessis has withdrawn from the bout, it looks like fans will have to wait a little longer for the much-hyped bout.  

Fans were expecting that the rivalry would culminate into a clash between the duo at UFC 293, but it seems like the UFC has other plans. Although a venue is not yet decided, Izzy will be potentially fighting in September, in Sydney, Australia, ideally at the UFC 293 main card.

Israel Adesanya Lays Into Dricus Du Plessis Following Failed UFC 293 Bout

The UFC middleweight champion expressed his frustration on Twitter after Dricus du Plessis withdrew from their highly anticipated fight. Despite no official contracts being signed, the two fighters were on track for a grudge match. However, ‘Stillknocks’ pulled out of the potential bout, citing a foot injury.

Recently, ‘Izzy’ took to social media to mock Du Plessis, imitating his excuse and calling him out for not taking the fight. He compared the situation to his own past experience of fighting through injuries.

In the video posted on Twitter, Adesanya didn’t hold back, stating, “No, you weren’t, you’re a b**. That’s why you’re not taking this fight. Your foot’s sore.” The outspoken champion highlighted his commitment to the sport by recounting how he fought despite a jacked knee in his last fight against the ‘Poatan.’ Despite the disappointment of the failed bout, ‘Izzy’ is already eyeing his next potential opponent.

Israel Adesanya Calls Out Sean Strickland for Fight

Looking ahead to his next challenge, the Stylebender revealed his desire to face UFC’s ‘Tarzan,’ the unapologetic Sean Strickland. The Kiwi sees Strickland as one of the top middleweight contenders in the UFC and views a bout with him as an exciting opportunity. Moreover, in a recent Joe Rogan Experience podcast, ‘Tarzan’ indirectly called out the Stylebender and even labeled him as ‘Chinese.’ What’s more – he even shared a diabolical plan for the Middleweight top gun, if the duo make it to the pre-fight weigh-ins. Tarzan remarked, “If I ever fight Izzy – I’m gonna go get a Chinese flag that says ‘Sl*t’ on it and I’ll bring it to the weigh-in for you guys.”

Now, in a video on Twitter, Adesanya confidently cited that he plans to lock horns with Strickland in Sydney, Australia. Calling out the ‘Tarzan’ on Twitter, ‘Izzy’ remarked, “Strickland – you’re in. Let’s do the man dance. Show [you] how to really dance!”

But Strickland knows that it’s not going to be that easy. In his own words, he has already admitted to Izzy being a genuine threat, stating, “But, you know – he’s also genetically so advantaged. Like if Izzy was a normal-sized motherf*cker, I’d walk through him.”

READ MORE: Israel Adesanya Leaks Details of Wild Party With Flo Rida, Odell Beckham Jr. “Even Obj Pulled…”

After Strickland’s impressive victory over fellow middleweight contender Abus Magomedov at UFC 290, many believed he would earn a title shot against Adesanya.

While the fight with Du Plessis fell through, Adesanya remains focused on securing an intriguing matchup with Strickland, eager to prove his mettle against another skilled competitor in the middleweight division. Both fighters are quite ‘petty’ when it comes to trash-talk. Will we have a “petty” Middleweight clash?

As the Middleweight continues to assert his dominance in the UFC, fans await the official confirmation of his next fight and eagerly anticipate seeing him step back into the Octagon to defend his middleweight title.

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