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Israel Adesanya returned to action after nearly a year away from fighting to take on Dricus du Plessis at UFC 305 in August. The former champion was hoping to win the middleweight title for a third time, a feat never achieved before in the UFC, but was submitted by the surging South African in Round 4.
With du Plessis' coach hinting at his next opponent being Robert Whittaker, should the Australian overcome the stiff challenge in front of him in the shape of Khamzat Chimaev when they fight at UFC 308 on Oct. 26.
Should 'The Reaper' secure another coveted title shot, UFC commentator Jon Anik believes that Adesanya's next opponent could very well be 'Borz'. The play-by-play commentator was recently interviewed by The Schmo, where he said this:
"I think [Adesanya] is gonna bide his time and let these middleweight waters sort of marinate a little bit. I thought it was interesting to hear Morne Visser come out and suggest that Robert Whittaker may be next for Dricus du Plessis. [Whittaker] has some business with Khamzat Chimaev to attend to, but I think if you're Izzy you kind of lay back in the cut. Maybe it's Khamzat, that's a fight that I think would have some appeal but Khamzat could be in a championship setting."
Watch Jon Anik discuss Israel Adesanya's next fight below (3:50):
Israel Adesanya is eager to fight again before the end of 2024
Israel Adesanya suffered an upset defeat against Sean Strickland at UFC 293, losing the middleweight title. Following the result, 'The Last Stylebender' announced he would be taking an extended hiatus from fighting.
He returned from his hiatus to face Dricus du Plessis at UFC 305, and the former champion has now revealed he wants to set foot inside the hallowed octagon one more time before the end of 2024.
The 35-year-old recently appeared on the 'Adam Carolla Show', where he discussed his next fight.
"At the moment, I want to fight one more time before the end of this year or early next year but I don't know yet. I'm just training, building off where we left off, and I'll get the call at some point with a few options. I'm sure Dana [White] will hit me up at some point."
Catch Israel Adesanya's comments below (4:05):
