Israel “the last airbender” Adesanya is all set to face Sean Strickland in a fight. Both the fighters are now set to clash on September 9. However, the path of the matchup was marked by a hint of uncertainty. The original contender, Dricus Du Plessis, had to withdraw from the initial fight due to injuries that forced UFC to embark on a search for the replacement of Adesanya.

As the UFC searched frantically to find an able replacement, Strickland stepped up to take on Adesanya. But he faced heavy resistance from UFC, who seemed determined not to let this match happen. However, it has now emerged that ‘The Last Airbender had a major role to play in this bout coming to fruition. So what were the factors that convinced the UFC to have this match? Let’s find out.

Israel Adesanya and his role in securing the Strickland fight

Israel Adesanya was recently quizzed by the media on his efforts to get this fight sanctioned. Israel responded to the media questions by stating that “A lot [of convincing], a lot. Like I said, he’s an idiot, and the UFC doesn’t want him embarrassing the company. That’s all I’ll say about that, but he should thank me. He should really thank me for actually making him get the fight. I pushed for it and I’m glad the UFC trusted me and listened to me.”

Trending

Joe Rogan Wants to Make MMA Difficult After Dana White Told to Remove Cage From UFC Fights – “Better if It Was Like a Basketball Court”

May 16, 2024 05:03 PM EDT

“All of Them Are Lazy” – Khabib Nurmagomedov Responds After Joe Rogan and Royce Gracie Praise the Dagestani Camp

May 18, 2024 09:34 AM EDT

Conor McGregor Misses Huge Opportunity Costing Him Millions Despite Breaking Dwayne Johnson’s Record With Jake Gyllenhaal’s ‘Road House’

May 16, 2024 07:38 PM EDT

Having Roughed Up Joe Rogan Under the Influence, Mark Coleman Finally Comes Clean on Infamous Moment

May 17, 2024 11:15 AM EDT

Gordon Ryan Reacts as Royce Gracie Makes an Unexpected Confession on Him to Joe Rogan – “You Say You’re Good, I Say I’m Good”

May 17, 2024 10:45 AM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest UFC stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Eugene Bareman, longtime head coach and City Kickboxing founder, was asked whether the team had any discussion before asking for Sean Strickland. Eugene responded, “We got to this stage there’s no opponent locked in but it doesn’t matter just put a name on a bit of paper and put it in front of us and we’ll be there on a date so we right from the very start we put all our concentration and effort into the date a little bit less focused on the opponent in front of us we signed a dotted line and we show up that’s what we’ve done for our entire UFC career”

“Proud to Have Purchased This”: Days After Saratoga Massacre, Dave Portnoy Flaunts His Most Priced Equestrian Investment

Based on what Bareman and Adesanya said in the video above, there is little doubt that Adesanya was looking for a fight against Du Plessis, but now that he has Strickland, they aren’t too unhappy about it. And it is not only Adesanya who has been talking about Strickland. Tarzan has been vocal too. This also brings us to the question of why Du Plessis did not make this fight.

Why did Dricus Du Plessis walk away from a fight with Israel Adesanya?

Adesanya was expected to fight Du Plessis at UFC 293 in September to defend his title, but the fight couldn’t go ahead as planned due to a leg injury sustained by Du Plessis.

The withdrawal by Dricus Du Plessis from the fight against Israel Adesanya disrupted the intended plan and led to Sean Strickland becoming the title contender. Despite initial resistance from the UFC, Adesanya convinced the UFC to make this match happen because of his determination and efforts. What do you think will be the outcome of the Adesanya vs. Strickland match, given the circumstances surrounding their fight?

Watch this story: UFC World Furious After Israel Adesanya’s Coach Reveals New Condition for Dricus Du Plessis to Get a Title Shot