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Israel Adesanya is a legend in his own right. Within three years of joining the world's most popular MMA promotion, the UFC middleweight champion has already proven his pedigree. There's so much he brings to the table, be it his kickboxing skills, crafty footwork or pinpoint striking accuracy.
'The Last Stylebender' suffered his first MMA loss when he went out to test the light heavyweight waters against Jan Blachowicz at UFC 259. Although he was outwrestled by the Polish champion, he didn't seem unnerved at any point during the fight. Promising to give it another shot soon, Adesanya returned to the middleweight division because that's where he rules the roost.
The 32-year-old 185-pounder has faced many challenges at middleweight, but has always come out unscathed. The fiercest of rivals have been outwitted and outstruck with total dominance. Is there anyone who can dethrone 'Izzy' from his throne?
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On that note, here's a look at five reasons why Israel Adesanya could remain undefeated in the UFC middleweight division.
#5. Israel Adesanya is the favorite to defeat Robert Whittaker in their rematch
The UFC has confirmed that Israel Adesanya will defend his title against Robert Whittaker in a rematch. The date for the fight hasn't been confirmed yet due to travel restrictions owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. The two fighters are expected to enter the octagon against each other in early 2022, though.
Adesanya is the clear favorite to win the rematch against the no.1-ranked Robert Whittaker, who has won his last three fights. 'The Reaper' is one of the most skilled and deadly UFC middleweights to pose a threat to 'The Last Stylebender'. However, Adesanya holds a knockout victory over Whittaker.
Adesanya not only outstruck Whittaker at UFC 243, but also knocked him out in round two of the fight. He dominated Whittaker thoroughly, landing devastating counter punches that saw 'The Reaper' go down at the end of round one.
Whittaker has bounced back to gain some momentum against top-five UFC middleweights. However, he is a sizeable underdog going into his rematch against Adesanya.
#4. Israel Adesanya is the best striker in the UFC middleweight division
Israel Adesanya has proven to be the best striker in the UFC middleweight division. His switch-stance style along with his feints and lethal kickboxing makes him a dangerous opponent for any fighter in the division. With a striking accuracy of 50% and a striking defense of 62%, he is the best overall striker amongst the top five UFC middleweights.
Adesanya can also eat a punch as if it's nothing. He has been tagged by fighters like Robert Whittaker and Paulo Costa. But his counter punches have overwhelmed most of his opponents. 'Izzy' has also faced Jan Blachowicz, who is bigger than all UFC middleweights, and tasted the "Polish power" without any noticeable problems.
Israel Adesanya also has the ability to fight southpaw due to his switch-stance style. In a Facebook post, he revealed his skill while breaking down his footwork from a bout in 2016. He said:
"Yes I'm southpaw, and yes my opponent is circling the correct way in accordance with normal conventions when fighting a southpaw; he circles out and I cut off the cage but wait! As I move to the right, I turn conventional; it's subtle, and it's intended to be."
"Like every aspect of my game, the subtle step I use that turns me orthodox I practice & drill everyday! Now has my opponent processed the switch? He continues to circle left but I've switched right handed, now he's circling into my powerside, has my opponent processed this?"
#3. Israel Adesanya has already defeated almost every top-five UFC middleweight
UFC champions face enormous challenges during their careers, as there are many fighters who are tipped to beat them at various times. However, that is not the case with Israel Adesanya. 'The Last Stylebender' has defeated almost every top-five UFC middleweight during his time with the UFC.
Be it Robert Whittaker, Paulo Costa, Marvin Vettori or Derek Brunson, Israel Adesanya has beaten almost every top-five UFC middleweight. In fact, he has been part of a few formidable tussles with the likes of Kelvin Gastelum and Anderson Silva too.
There's little left to do for 'Izzy' in the UFC middleweight division. Perhaps. he needs a couple more face-offs against fighters he wants to take on. Wins against Jared Cannonier and Darren Till could be all Israel Adesanya needs to prove himself to be the best in his division.
#2. Israel Adesanya's wrestling has improved
Israel Adesanya is one of the most seasoned strikers in the UFC middleweight division. He has improved massively in other aspects of his game too. Until recently, he had one glaring chink in his armor - wrestling. He was constantly pressured by wrestlers. In fact, it was the main reason why he suffered the first loss of his MMA career against Jan Blachowicz at UFC 259.
However, Adesanya has worked on his wrestling defense. He showcased an improved wrestling IQ against Marvin Vettori at UFC 263, which helped him dominate 'The Italian Dream' 50-45 on all scorecards. With another addition to his already formidable arsenal, 'Izzy' could be invincible in the UFC middleweight division.
#1. Izzy could vacate his title as the undefeated middleweight champion
It is no longer a secret Israel Adesanya wants to conquer the light heavyweight division. Like all great UFC fighters, he also dreams of becoming a multi-division champion.
He has already acquired a taste of the 205-pound class in his outing against champion Jan Blachowicz. 'Izzy' said after his UFC 259 loss:
"This is not a one-off. I definitely will be back."
Adesanya won the interim UFC middleweight title at UFC 236 and then the unified title six months later in 2019. He has defended his belt thrice since then, and is now tipped to do it once again in his rematch against Robert Whittaker. Once 'Izzy' is done beating every potential UFC middleweight contender, he could gun for light heavyweight gold.
While a case could be made for Adesanya to frequent between the two divisions, gaining and losing 20 pounds every few months would not be practical. After UFC 259, 'The Last Stylebender' admitted that size difference was a crucial factor in his loss against Blachowicz.
To improve and establish himself as the light heavyweight king, Israel Adesanya will need to be heavier than 200.5 pounds.
