Credit: Zuffa LLC
Two-time Israel Adesanya rival Robert Whittaker expects a lopsided win for the former champion at UFC Saudi Arabia.
Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya will fight rising star Shara ‘Bullet’ Magomedov in the UFC Saudi Arabia main event next month. Adesanya will look to snap a four-fight losing streak after recent defeats to Joe Pyfer and Nassourdine Imavov.
After falling to Pyfer earlier this year, it was uncertain whether or not Adesanya would fight again. But the former champion seems rejuvenated after undergoing a massive change in his camp.
Adesanya vs. Magomedov is a striking fan’s delight, and Adesanya will look to stop another fighter’s hype train in Riyadh. Despite being without a win since UFC 287, one of Adesanya’s biggest foes expects dominance against Magomedov.
Israel Adesanya’s rival Robert Whittaker predicts dominant win at UFC Saudi Arabia
In a recent episode of the MMArcade podcast, Adesanya’s two-time rival Robert Whittaker expressed supreme optimism about the former champ turning things around at UFC Saudi Arabia.
“I think the real fight here is Israel versus himself,” Whittaker said of Adesanya.
“I want to see Izzy come in the way—Izzy of old, you know? His head switched on, focus, laser-focused. I think he beats the brakes off Shara, to be honest. I have Israel all day.” (h/t Bloody Elbow)
Adesanya and Whittaker shared one of the biggest rivalries in UFC middleweight history, with Adesanya earning wins in both fights. But Whittaker gave Adesanya one of his toughest tests at UFC 271, losing a narrow decision.
Adesanya will face a stiff test in Magomedov, who has earned recent wins over Michel Pereira, Marc-Andre Barriault, and Armen Petrosyan. He’s bounced back nicely since his first loss against Michael ‘Venom’ Page in February.
What’s your prediction for Israel Adesanya vs. Shara ‘Bullet’ Magomedov? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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