UFC 300: Israel Adesanya, and Not Alex Pereira, Was Dana White’s Main Card Headliner According to Insider

Dan Hooker wants UFC CEO Dana White to come out and clear the air surrounding Israel Adesanya and UFC 300. In a recent announcement, the UFC boss revealed that the historic UFC 300 card will be headlined by a title defense for Alex Pereira against former light heavyweight champion, Jamahal Hill.

However, before the confirmation, rumors and speculation in the MMA world suggested that Israel Adesanya may take on the newly crowned middleweight champion, Dricus Du Plessis, at the event. But with the official date for a clash between the two contenders still up in the air, ‘The Hangman’ has come out and made some interesting revelations about his teammate’s involvement in the card.

Israel Adesanya was ready for UFC 300 but the UFC had other plans  

UFC lightweight Dan Hooker recently shared insights about rumors swirling around Israel Adesanya and UFC 300. In an interview with Sky Sports NZ, ‘The Hangman’ revealed that he had initially thought Adesanya would be headlining the event.

He revealed, “I want Dana to come out and say that what had gone on behind the scenes. Because as far as I knew, Israel was stepping up to fight in that 300 slot.” Hooker also indicated that the event’s plans may have shifted due to issues on Dricus Du Plessis’ side, potentially related to his condition after UFC 297. He stated, “I feel like Dricus, like, that was going to be a big ask after the five rounds he had with Strickland, he took a lot of damage in that Strickland fight.”

He also recalled Du Plessis’ previous withdrawal from a title fight at UFC 293 last year against Adesanya due to injury, emphasizing the fighter’s reluctance to take such risks. He revealed, “…he had like a niggle, he had an injury, and he wasn’t prepared for that risk.”

This reluctance underscores the complexities involved in matchmaking and fighter readiness. As fans await further updates, Hooker’s call for transparency from Dana White adds intrigue to the unfolding narrative surrounding UFC 300 and the impact it may have on future matchups in the promotion.

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However, Alex Pereira, who will be headlining the event, recently revealed his thoughts on possibly burying the rivalry between him and ‘The Last Stylebender’, and the chances of them training together in the future!

‘Poatan’ has moved on from the rivalry between him and Adesanya  

UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira aims to someday mend fences with Israel Adesanya outside the Octagon. In a recent interview on The MMA Hour, Pereira hinted at moving beyond their rivalry and seeking to learn from Adesanya instead.

He stated, “100 percent, I would train with him. Just because I don’t feel we’ll fight no more… If I can be absolutely sure that we will never face each other in the Octagon again, why not?”

‘Poatan’ also emphasized their shared expertise in striking and suggested that mutual training could benefit both fighters. While open to the idea of a rematch, Pereira no longer fixates on it, indicating a shift in his perspective. As Pereira prepares for his title defense, the prospect of teaming up with Adesanya remains uncertain. Yet, the champion’s willingness to reconcile and learn from his rival underscores a potential shift in their dynamic outside the cage.

Read More: UFC 300: Israel Adesanya Turns the Table Against Dana White and UFC With a Subtle Reminder