Adesanya rules out a move to light heavyweight and bets on Whittaker's success: 'He's got it all'

Whittaker and Adesanya in training. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/IsraelAdesanya

Despite being a legend in MMA, Israel adesanya He is experiencing the worst moment of his career and arrives under pressure for the UFC SeattleIn the main fight of the event that takes place this Saturday (28), the former middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg), coming off three consecutive defeats, will face the knockout artist. joe pyferHowever, despite the bad spell, the Nigerian says he doesn't intend to make any significant changes going forward.

So much so that, on 'media day' of UFC SeattleAdesanya ruled out any possibility of switching from middleweight to light heavyweight (up to 93 kg) after his fight against the American. It's worth noting that in 2021, the Nigerian, at his peak, ventured into the category seeking double champion status and had a traumatic experience when he was controlled by... Jan Blachowicz, losing the fight and his invincibility.

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Moreover, Paulo borrachinha e Robert whittaker They confirmed the weight gain. The Brazilian faces Azamat Murzakanov In April, while the former rival and newest friend has been pointed out as a possible opponent of Khalil rountree ou Magomed AnkalayevInterestingly, 'The Reaper' has already competed in the welterweight division (up to 77,1 kg). In any case, the Nigerian is betting on his training partner's success in the light heavyweight division, despite the obvious disadvantage in strength, weight, and size.

“I’ll leave that to Whittaker and Paulo. Apparently, Chimaev is leaving, but I don’t know. I like the middleweight division. This is where I am and this is where I move. So, I’ll stay. I have no idea about Paulo, but Whittaker is doing very well in the gym,” said the MMA legend.

"He started his training camp with us. So, yes, he's a great training partner to have around and he's still got it. I can guarantee that," he concluded.

Adesanya's fighters in MMA

Israel adesanyaThe 36-year-old made history as the UFC middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg) and became an MMA legend. The Nigerian began his career in the sport in 2012, debuted in the company in 2018, and won the belt in 2019. In his first reign in the division, the renowned striker defended the title five times.

In this sport, the athlete built a record of 24 wins, 16 by knockout, and five losses. His main victories were against... Alex Poatán, Anderson Silva, Derek Brunson, Jared Cannonier, Kelvin Gastelum, Marvin vettori (twice), Paulo borrachinha, Robert whittaker (twice) and Yoel romero.