Coach Predicts Israel Adesanya Moving to Light Heavyweight After UFC 253

The Head Coach at City Kickboxing, Eugene Bareman, spoke out on the future of his star pupil, Israel Adesanya. ‘The Last Stylebender’ will compete at UFC 253 and the undefeated champion will face Brazil’s own Paulo Costa. What’s more, the highly anticipated pay-per-view sees the company back in Abu Dhabi on Yas Island.

Eugene Bareman oversees the camps of two undisputed UFC fighters in Israel Adesanya and Alexander Volkanovski. Moreover, he will have a long night on September 26 as several fighters from the gym will compete on the card.

Israel Adesanya: Where does he go from here?

Chiefly, Bareman touched on the trajectory that ‘Izzy‘ would lean towards after his outing against Paulo Costa. While speaking out to “The Bash”, Eugene did a deep dive into a possible super-fight that could take place at 205-pounds.

“I think he would consider it [super-fight against 205-pound champion] to be honest. Look, Israel is active, Israel is getting to the stage where he wants as big of fights as he can get. The Middleweight divisions done a funny little thing with the Darren Till fight where he’s gone and lost…Cannonier’s got Whittaker and then Hermansson has got Till. So it’s in a funny position where the biggest Middleweight fight for Israel is actually gonna be the rematch.”

“I don’t know if that particularly appeals to him”

Additionally, Eugene summarized the 185-pound division as it stands. Adesanya’s next step is anyone’s guess, but the bonafide star certainly has all the leverage given his reception by fans. Bareman explained that a rematch against Robert Whittaker wouldn’t serve as much motivation for ‘The Last Stylebender’.

“If Robert wins, it’s not like they’re gonna give that fight to Till, seeing as Robert just beat Till. Till might be the biggest fight on paper but he’s not gonna get the fight. That leaves the biggest possible marquee fight for Israel is the rematch. I know that he’s not gonna be particularly enthusiastic about that.

“When he takes a lay of the land, 205 is going to be really appealing to him, otherwise it’s the rematch with Robert. I don’t know if that particularly appeals to him.”

Furthermore, The Nigerian born fighter defeated Robert Whittaker convincingly and will have his sights set for a second belt. However, getting through Paulo Costa on September 26 will be easier said than done. The Brazilian power puncher will come in with bad intentions when the two finally settle the score.

Also Watch: UFC 253: Adesanya vs Costa- Undefeated vs Undefeated