Israel “The Last Style Bender” Adesanya got dominated and lost his belt at UFC 293. This comes to many shock as almost nobody believed Sean Strickland could pull off one of the biggest upsets in UFC history. This marks the second time in three fights that Israel Adesanya looses his belt.
After his loss to Alex Pereira, where he lost the belt the first time, he was granted an immediate rematch. He rebound with a vicious knockout in the second round to regain the the belt. Adesanya team believes that Izzy will get the job done in a rematch just like how he did versus “Poatan”. But not everyone is on board with giving Israel the rematch right away, including former double champion now turned commentator, Daniel Cormier.
Should Israel Adesanya Get The Rematch?
Daniel “DC” Cormier shared his thoughts post fight on his YouTube channel. He doesn’t believe Izzy should get the rematch right away. He suggest the Israel Adesanya looked fatigue in this fight.
“The last time Izzy lost, all we could talk about was he should be next again. I don’t think he should get an automatic rematch. I think the division needs to move on a little bit… Sean Strickland now opens up the possibility for so many fresh matchups.”
Adesanya fought 11 straight championships in the span of four years.
“Adesanya didn’t look as good. I feel like he was tired. And that is why I won’t be politicking for him to get a title fight,”
“I don’t think that Izzy should fight for the belt next. I think Izzy should take some time. He should rest, let the division shake out a little bit and then come back.
“That constant desire to be up for these level of fights, it’s just too much and nobody can keep that up,” Cormier argued. “You can’t fight the most dangerous, best fighters in the world three times a year, year after year, after year.” “He has lost two of his last three fights. Granted, they’re all title fights. He fought 11 of them in a row. He needs to take a break from this thing, rest in the spoils of his greatness, and then come back when he’s refreshed. Because he looked a little bit behind the eight ball tonight.”
Dana White Wants Rematch
UFC president, Dana White, was asked during the post fight press conference if he would like to see a rematch between the two men. He may not see eye to eye as “DC”.
“No, I think you do the rematch. Absolutely. The rematch is interesting,” Dana White said at the post-fight press conference. “The Pereira fight was such a big fight. You’ve been in there with this guy so many times, and then you overlook Strickland, and you come in. I don’t know. I don’t know the answer to these questions, but Israel does and I’m looking forward to hearing it.”
There is many options for Israel’s next opponent if its not a rematch. Dricus Du Plessis is the number one ranked guy in the division and is undefeated in the UFC. Du Plessis was suppose to be opposite of Adesanya last weekend but turned down the fight. Maybe he will be Strickland first title defense. Jared Cannonier weight in as the backup for this fight and holds a win over the now champion. If Izzy sits out, Sean has a lot of options for an opponent. Khamzat Chimaev is fighting Paulo Costa in October and if we see an impressive performance from either fighter we can see them jump up the queue. Either way, Israel and Sean has a lot of options for their next fight if the UFC decides not to do a rematch.
Do you think Israel Adesanya deserves an immediate rematch or should he sit out for a bit? Who would you like to see fight Sean Strickland next? Who would you like to see Izzy face next? Let us know in the comments.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
