5 opponents Israel Adesanya has to beat to become the middleweight GOAT

#2. Israel Adesanya vs. Jared Cannonier

It appears that Jared Cannonier will be the next opponent to challenge Israel Adesanya for the UFC middleweight title. The 'Killa Gorilla' has seemingly secured the number one contender status after brutally dispatching Derek Brunson at UFC 271.

Cannonier is one of the few current top middleweight contenders that Adesanya has not yet defeated. As a result, a win over the hard-hitting middleweight is crucial for 'The Last Stylebender' to continue improving his legacy as a 185-pound great.

UFC 271: Jared Cannonier v Derek Brunson

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#1. Israel Adesanya vs. Khamzat Chimaev

It is not often that a fighter garners the amount of hype and fan excitement that Khamzat Chimaev has received over the past two years. Currently undefeated with wins over both UFC welterweights and middleweights, the stage appears to be nearly ready for an all-time great clash between 'Borz' and Adesanya.

Admittedly, Chimaev is currently competing at welterweight, but he has already stated that he intends on becoming the UFC's first three-division champion. This would mean not only claiming Kamaru Usman's 170-pound title, but also Adesanya's 185-pound title and even Glover Teixeira's light heavyweight belt.

Should it begin to look like Chimaev's lofty goal is within sight, he will undouteltly face off against Adesanya. This would be a fight of international interest, catapulting the winner into GOAT contendership.