UFC Saudi Arabia left us all in shatters as the fan favorite Israel Adesanya was brought down by Nassourdine Imavov with an overhand right in the second round. Watching ‘The Last Stylebender’ take the shot and stumble down was nothing short of a heartbreaking moment for the fight fans. However, we can still hope to see the New Zealander come out of his rut and start winning again. 

But this time, we let OpenAI’s ChatGPT do the talking. We asked the artificial intelligence chatbot for three ways through which Adesanya could rise back from the ashes. So, without any further ado, let’s get right onto the AI’s suggestions.

1. Israel Adesanya should refine his fighting style and address weaknesses

The artificial intelligence admitted that ‘The Last Stylebender’ has the striking prowess of the elites. However, his last three bouts, all of which resulted in defeats for the Kiwi fighter, pointed at the spots that made him vulnerable. Losing against Sean Strickland, Dricus Du Plessis, and now Imavov, showed the world that Adesanya has to address his defense. No doubt, Izzy’s fists are strong enough to send even Alex Pereira to sleep. But without an evolved set of evading techniques, his progress won’t happen. The AI claimed that Adesanya could “work on defensive head movement and boxing fundamentals.”

His other weakness often troubles him in the form of ground games. In a classic striker vs. grappler bout, it’s almost always that the striker loses the bout. And such has been the case with the former MW champ. Yes, we’re referring to DDP choking Izzy out with an RNC at UFC 305. If he can add takedown defenses and ground escapes to his arsenal, winning could come easy in his next bouts. 

Also, Adesanya likes to wait for his opponents to strike first and settle the score with a counterstrike. But that worked while he was in his prime. Now, as he walks the road as a 35-year-old, fighting pressure fighters with his counters in store doesn’t seem like a viable option anymore. The AI suggested that he should increase his offensive output to tackle fighters who love to send barrages of attacks throughout their bouts.

2. Israel Adesanya should choose his fights and legacy moves carefully

With a loss against Imavov, the AI advised Adesanya to shift his focus from rushing for the title shot to fighting strategically picked fights. According to the AI, the former 2-time middleweight champion should “pick strategic matchups to rebuild momentum.” A rematch against ‘Tarzan’ or Robert Whittaker would be perfect to set things straight. At least, this can get him out of the 3-fight losing streak. ‘Izzy’ has ruled out fighting Whittaker again, and vice versa, after the pair struck up a friendship recently.

Another option for the Nigerian-born fighter would be to “consider a super fight at light heavyweight to challenge his legacy.” Who knows, we might even get to see Adesanya knock Pereira out once again. But a fight against Johnny Walker, or Volkan Oezdemir wouldn’t hurt. As per the artificial intelligence, ‘The Last Stylebender’ should wait and let the middleweight division experience a power shift. Then, maybe, with a calculated push, we can get to see Adesanya sit on the MW throne for the third time.

3. ‘The Last Stylebender’ should expand his brand and post-UFC plans

OpenAI’s ChatGPT pointed out that the 35-year-old former UFC champion should take a look outside the Octagon. Well, he’s already a star, but he can follow Conor McGregor’s suit and step into the world of business. Back in 2024, Adesanya had ventured into the real estate business. His clothing brand ‘Engage’ is also getting him quite a big return on investment. But he can certainly go beyond that. The AI suggested that Adesanya can further upscale his stardom by “investing in business ventures.” 

We all know how passionate Adesanya is about anime and gaming. He can certainly make a fortune by entering the media and film industry. On top of that, he can plan on becoming a coach and mentoring the new and upcoming fighters following his retirement. This would definitely leave a lasting impression in the fighting world. 

What do you think Izzy should do to come out of his rut? Is there any specific fighter you want ‘The Last Stylebender’ to go up against in the near future? Or should he just opt for retirement now that he’s 35 years old and on a losing streak? Drop down to the comments section below and let the conversation flow.