5 things Israel Adesanya has to do to become middleweight GOAT

#4. Israel Adesanya has to stay at middleweight

A 16-fight winning streak alongside ten title defenses will be difficult to match. If Israel Adesanya wants to become middleweight GOAT, then that, or something close to it, will be required. Anderson Silva left massive shoes to fill and his finishing potential was amongst the best in UFC history. If anyone can fill those shoes, it's Israel Adesanya.

After his failed attempt at moving up to light heavyweight, it seems clear that Israel Adesanya is doing his best work in the middleweight division anyway. Since 'The Last Stylebender' was never been beaten in a 185-pound contest, he still has the aura of mystery surrounding his style of fighting that Silva does not have now.

In an effort to advance himself toward the middleweight GOAT claim, Israel Adesanya returned to face a familiar opponent after losing to Jan Blachowicz. 'The Italian Dream' would receive his second shot at Adesanya after the two met in 2018. The rematch showed that Adesanya was still making improvements despite losing to the light heavyweight champion.

Israel Adesanya secured his third title defense in his rematch against Marvin Vettori. There is now another middleweight contender on deck and it's a rematch. However, it's still a fight everyone is dying to see and it will only add to his legacy as a champion if he wins.

---

#3. Israel Adesanya has to close out the chapter with Robert Whittaker

Since Robert Whittaker was on his way to becoming one of the top UFC 185-pound titleholders, many would like to see the pair of middleweights battle it out again. In their 2019 encounter, the pressure couldn't have been more intense, as the two were tasked with facing each other in front of a full crowd in Melbourne, Australia.

In the first round of their epic UFC 243 main event, it seemed Whittaker's style of rushing in against Adesanya was falling flat. The counter puncher from New Zealand took advantage of a speed discrepancy and was connecting flush on some left hooks in round one against Whittaker.

The performance highlighted Adesanya's ability to control distance. After maintaining long range, Whittaker was forced to cover too much ground to get into striking distance with Israel Adesanya. Regardless, 'The Reaper' was able to find a home for some damaging oblique kicks.

With the second round underway, it seemed as though Adesanya's shot selection was taking a toll on Whittaker. Israel Adesanya played matador with Whittaker, and did so effectively. As Whittaker would rush in, the two found themselves in clinch exchanges. On the break is when Adesanya found a home for those damaging left hooks.

Adesanya's claim to become the middleweight GOAT is tied to Whittaker. With another defense against a middleweight great, he will be even closer to that lofty goal.