Fan theory on Israel Adesanya's alleged weakness getting "exposed" against Nassourdine Imavov sparks mass debate: "Put on skates by Dricus du Plessis"

An MMA fan's take on Israel Adesanya's apparent weakness ahead of the Nassourdine Imavov matchup has generated mixed reactions from the netizens. Many agreed with the Individual's remarks while some defended Adesanya.

Adesanya is set to make his octagon return next month on Feb. 1 in a middleweight bout against Imavov. The fight will take place at ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Before the bout, an X user named @owen_swd posted a clip of Imavov's fourth-round knockout win over former title challenger Jared Cannonier at UFC Louisville last year and cited that the Frenchman's short-range striking may pose a threat to Adesanya, writing:

''Adesanya's poor pocket boxing may get exposed against Imavov. This guys dangerous''

Check out the post below:

When another one called out the individual for criticizing Adesanya, the fan referenced the former champion's recent octagon outings, writing:

''Yes. Not an outlandish take. Dropped by Strickland, put on skates by Dricus. His close range boxing is not good''

Fans rushed to the comments section to share their reactions.

One fan wrote:

''Bruh he beat the fu*k of DDP boxing I think he’ll be fine''

Another one stated:

''True. These days Izzy folds back after taking a good shot and Imavov is a cruel guy. He will mercilessly press forward''

Other fans wrote:

''I don’t think it’s so much as his pocket boxing (judging off the Dricus fight) more than i think his head movement and feet slowed down. He puts his punches together incredibly well still.''

''The Strickland fight is a telltale sign that Izzy’s biggest weakness is boxers that can check inside leg kicks and close the distance quickly. I still think Izzy wins (as much as I hate him), if can’t maintain that distance, I don’t see how he wins.''

Check out the post below:

Fan reactions [Screenshots courtesy: @owen_swd X]

---

Israel Adesanya isn't worried about his matchup with Nassourdine Imavov

Israel Adesanya will look to get back in title contention with a win over Nassourdine Imavov at UFC Saudi Arabia next month. Adesanya is composed and confident about the Imavov clash, even though he has a lot on the table.

Adesanya said in a recent interview with Sky Sports New Zealand that now that his defeats are behind him, he wants to start over fresh:

''There’s a certain mentality when you’re undefeated, you’re (expletive) killing everyone. When you’ve had one loss, and another loss in two different styles, and you’re like, ‘Okay, at least the worst part’s over in my head.’ Now, I can just like, who cares? I don’t care. Just enjoy this fight...I think it’s going to be a fun fight, just box it up.” [H/t: Forbes]

Check out the full interview below: