There have been two chapters to the Israel Adesanya and Robert Whittaker rivalry thus far however the ‘Final Stylebender’ says that he isn’t so eager on a 3rd.
Adesanya has come out on prime of their two conferences to this point, profitable the primary struggle by knockout in October 2019 and the sequel by unanimous choice in February of this 12 months. Nevertheless, talking in a current interview Whittaker mentioned that he was eager to construct in the direction of a 3rd struggle in opposition to Adesanya earlier than at some point testing the waters at 205-pounds.
However as Adesanya mentioned at a press occasion forward of this weekend’s UFC card, he means that his rivalry with Whittaker is useless for now — and urged that gentle heavyweight could be the most suitable choice for his longtime foe.
“Bobby, he’s an ideal fighter, I’ll give it to him,” Adesanya mentioned on the occasion in Australia. “He’s an ideal fighter, however I understand how that guide ends. I’ve learn that guide twice already. First time was a fast learn, the second time just a little bit longer, however I imply, he’s most likely gonna be on the prime for some time. But when we struggle once more, I understand how that guide ends, you understand?”
Adesanya is lined as much as struggle Jared Cannonier within the UFC 276 primary occasion on July 2 and says that he’s excited because the prospect of a contemporary opponent, in distinction to retreading outdated floor.
“So, that’s why I’m enthusiastic about this subsequent struggle,” Adesanya said. “Some new blood, somebody I’ve by no means fought earlier than. I informed you, if (Whittaker) needs it, he ought to go as much as 205, see what that’s about. Possibly attempt that for just a little bit. However yeah, I’ve learn that guide already and yeah, I don’t like studying the identical guide time and again.”
As for a way that individual struggle will go, Adesanya displayed his trademark confidence: ““He’s a man that packs so much… he nonetheless carries that energy round, so I can’t overlook him. However, I don’t assume he’ll be the hardest challenger. Truthfully, assume I’ll make this simple. I actually consider I’ll make this look simple come July third.
“A prediction, I’ll offer you a prediction, it’s gonna be enjoyable, it’s gonna be enjoyable. It’s gonna look so much just like the Costa struggle minus the little tap-tap on the finish.”
