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Welcome to the latest edition of our MMA news roundup, here to catch you up on the news from the MMA sphere. Whatever you may have missed in your fast-paced life, including the biggest developments in the world of mixed martial arts today. First, on our roundup, we have a cold reply from former middleweight champion Israel Adesanya to Sharabutdin Magomedov, who called him out yesterday after sending his opponent into the shadow realm at UFC 308 with a double-spinning back fist.
In our next segment, we will shift to Team Khabib’s take on the Islam Makhachev vs. Belal Muhammad welterweight showdown, which could add a new spark to the 170lbs division. Speaking of sparks, Dustin Poirier recently announced on social media two of his prime targets for his “last dance” as he wraps up his career, following yesterday’s UFC 308 fight card in Abu Dhabi. So, without wasting any moment, let’s explore what has taken place in the fabled world of MMA.
Israel Adesanya reacts to Sharabutdin Magomedov’s callout
Israel Adesanya is currently on a hiatus and is struggling to get back to his imperious best following a failed attempt at recapturing the middleweight title in August. His journey in the promotion has fallen short in his last four bouts, with three losses, including his latest against Dricus Du Plessis, who defeated him in a way that had never been done before—by submission. However, Adesanya was taken aback yesterday when Sharaputdin Magomedov, riding high after his win against Armen Petrosyan, issued a warning by calling out Adesanya coldly, stating, “I’m the best striker in the division. I’ll smash his head [Israel] Adesanya.”
Watching this unfold from home during the pay-per-view, Izzy, without displaying any frustration and mimicking Will Smith’s demeanor after slapping Chris Rock, humorously dismissed Magomedov’s callout, “Keep my name out of your f–king mouth. What did I do? Why did you say ‘f me’ for? I’m like, what did he say?”
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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – FEBRUARY 10: Israel Adesanya of New Zealand stands in his corner prior to his middleweight bout against Anderson Silva of Brazil during the UFC 234 at Rod Laver Arena on February 10, 2019 in the Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
While he took it lightly, there could be multiple interpretations of his reaction, especially since ‘The Last Stylebender’ is actively preparing for a return to the octagon next year against Sean Strickland or Dricus Du Plessis, who are both on his radar. Until then, let’s shift our focus to the next welterweight possibilities that MMA fans can witness in the future.
Coach Javier Mendez’s take on Belal Muhammad vs. Islam Makhachev Welterweight bout
In his nine-year meteoric run in the promotion, UFC lightweight king Islam Makhachev has faced nearly everyone in the most stacked division of the promotion. This has inspired him to consider moving up to a higher weight class—a desire he expressed after showcasing an astonishing performance against Dustin Poirier earlier this summer at UFC 302.
UFC head honcho Dana White has now approved this move, but with the condition that Makhachev must first get past Arman Tsarukyan in their upcoming battle. This also raises concerns for the Dagestani top dog, as the current welterweight king, Belal Muhammad, is already close to ‘Team Khabib’ including Makhachev, with whom he has a good relationship. Neither of them wants to jeopardize that sentiment, a concern recently echoed by Team Khabib’s coach, Javier Mendez, while speaking to Submission Radio.
When asked about the possibility of Makhachev fighting Muhammad, Mendez stated, “I don’t think any of us would feel good about going up against Belal. I don’t think so; I don’t think that’s in the cards and I can’t speak for Islam, but I’m assuming he wouldn’t want to fight Belal. I know I wouldn’t. I’d want to wait and see.” However, at the end of his statement, Mendez left the door open for the possibility, stating, “But, you know, anything’s possible.”
Likewise, the AKA head coach acknowledged the potential of a two-weight champion, while Dustin Poirier is candid about expressing his true intentions.
“Uno Mas” List for Dustin Poirier
UFC former interim lightweight champion Dustin Poirier has been out of the octagon for some time after getting submitted by Islam Makhachev at the remarkable UFC 302. The conclusive loss was enough to stir retirement rumors after ‘The Diamond’ failed to capture undisputed gold in his third attempt as well. However, earlier this month, during his latest appearance on the Ariel Helwani show, he poured cold water on those retirement rumors by hinting at a return to the octagon for “uno mas” against Justin Gaethje in his hometown of Louisiana.
But now, after witnessing the featherweight battle between Max Holloway and Ilia Topuria at the UFC 308 PPV event yesterday, Poirier seems to have changed his mind about facing Gaethje one last time. Following the astonishing event, Poirier called out Topuria and Holloway on X, stating, “I want Max or Topuria.” He didn’t stop there; he further tweeted, “He’s a great boxer. Let’s throw down.”
Now all eyes are on the UFC and Dustin Poirier. We will have to wait and see how UFC head honcho Dana White will respond to Poirier’s callouts. What’s your take on Dustin Poirier facing the featherweight titans Max Holloway or Ilia Topuria? Which matchup do you think would be best for ‘The Diamond’? Drop your opinion below.
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Debate
Is Israel Adesanya's reign over, or can he silence Sharabutdin Magomedov's bold claims?