Brazilian UFC star drops significant update on Israel Adesanya's next fight involving himself and another ranked middleweight

A top-ranked Brazilian UFC fighter doesn't expect to face Israel Adesanya next. He claimed that when the promotion asked Adesanya to choose between him and another ranked middleweight for his next fight, the former champion went with the latter.

The fighter in question is Caio Borralho, who won a dominant unanimous decision over Jared Cannonier at UFC Vegas 96 earlier this year. Following his win, 'The Natural' stated that a fight with Adesanya would be ideal, especially if the title mix is far too convoluted.

However, in a recent interview with Inside Fighting, Borralho speculated that the promotion asked Adesanya to pick between him and Nassourdine Imavov for his next bout, and the Nigerian-born Kiwi chose the Frenchman. The No.6-ranked 185-pounder said:

''I wanted the Israel Adesanya fight. I think they presented two fighters for him, me and Imavov and I think he chose Imavov. He actually posted a story on his Instagram studying Imavov's tapes so I think he already made his choice and I'm just waiting, let's see how the division plays out because it's a little bit messy right now.''

Check out Caio Borralho's comments below (10:49):

Adesanya lost to reigning champion Dricus du Plessis via fourth-round submission at UFC 305 earlier this year. 'The Last Stylebender' now needs a win to return to title contention, and rumors are rife that he's set to take on No.5-ranked Imavov at UFC Saudi Arabia next year.

While the UFC hasn't confirmed the matchup as yet, a recent social media post from Adesanya's longtime sponsor, Engage, suggests the bout has been finalized for the promotion's Fight Night event in Riyadh on Feb. 1, 2025.

"Riyadh Season @stylebender"

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Israel Adesanya comments on retirement plans: "Break up with fighting before fighting breaks up with you"

Israel Adesanya's last two visits to the octagon have not gone as planned. He suffered defeat against Sean Strickland at UFC 293 via unanimous decision, losing his middleweight title in the process. After a nearly year-long break, Adesanya returned to the octagon at UFC 305 to challenge Dricus du Plessis, but he was submitted in the fourth round.

During a recent appearance on the FLAGRANT podcast, Adesanya discussed his future in the UFC, saying:

''You’ve got to break up with fighting before fighting breaks up with you. When will I? I don’t know… I’m 35 now. I know I’m over the halfway point and I’m definitely a few years away, maybe three years away. But who knows? I know I don’t want to be fighting at 40.” [H/t: Brila]

Watch Israel Adesanya discuss his fighting future below (49:35):