Israel Adesanya picks surging UFC bantamweight to be the next champ

Israel Adesanya's return to the octagon will come against Alex Pereira at UFC 287. Adrian Yanez will fight for the first time in nearly a year as he faces Rob Font on the main card. The former middleweight champion had high praise for the No.12-ranked bantamweight, claiming that he is a future champion.

Speaking at the media day for UFC 287, 'The Last Stylebender' stated:

"Adrian Yanez - I just saw him in the bathroom before - that guy, I got so much love for his style. So much respect for him as a person, for his coach, Thugjitsu - Yves Edwards. He's a force to be reckoned with. 135, he's the next champ. Respect to everybody else in the game - shout out to Rob Font as well. Rob Font's a veteran in this game, a h*ll of a fighter, he's a big test for him, but Adrian Yanez is that dude."

Israel Adesanya added:

"I didn't even know he's a black belt. I thought he was just a striker, but he's a black belt in jiu-jitsu. You haven't even seen much of that yet, but he's just butchering everyone on the feet with his hands and his kicks. I look forward to watching his fight and taking inspiration from there."

Check out Israel Adesanya's comments on Adrian Yanez below:

Yanez is currently undefeated in five bouts since joining the UFC. Four of those victories have come via knockout. He will have an opportunity to rise in the rankings as he faces No.6-ranked bantamweight Rob Font at UFC 287.

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Israel Adesanya's return: 'The Last Stylebender' explains why his confidence has not wavered ahead of UFC 287

Israel Adesanya has lost three fights - two in kickboxing and one in mixed martial arts - against Alex Pereira. Despite this, the former middleweight champion revealed that he remains confident ahead of their upcoming clash at UFC 287. During a recent appearance on DC & RC, 'The Last Stylebender' stated:

"F**k all the bulls**t. He and I know, f**k the fans, the reporters, all that. He and I know exactly what I can do to him. I know what he can do to me. Each time I've fought him, I'm always winning until I'm not. If it was like say he just beat my ass from f**king bell to bell then f**k it.... It's not been the case. I'm always beating him, I'm always dominating him until he finds that way to win."

Watch Israel Adesanya's full comments on his confidence below (starting at the 51:15 mark):

Adesanya added that he welcomes the challenge of rising to the occasion against an opponent that has had his number. The No.1-ranked middleweight will look to reclaim the title at UFC 287.