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April 6, 2023, Miami, Florida, MIAMI, FLORIDA, United States: MIAMI, FLORIDA -April 6: Israel Adesanya speaks to the press and the fans at UFC287 – Pereira v Adesanya 2 – press conference, PK, Pressekonferenz at Kaseya Center on April 6, 2023 in Miami, Florida Miami, Florida United States – ZUMAp175 20230406_zsa_p175_013 Copyright: xLouisxGrassex

via Imago
April 6, 2023, Miami, Florida, MIAMI, FLORIDA, United States: MIAMI, FLORIDA -April 6: Israel Adesanya speaks to the press and the fans at UFC287 – Pereira v Adesanya 2 – press conference, PK, Pressekonferenz at Kaseya Center on April 6, 2023 in Miami, Florida Miami, Florida United States – ZUMAp175 20230406_zsa_p175_013 Copyright: xLouisxGrassex
It may be agreed that UFC 287 came as a blessing for the current UFC Middleweight champ, Israel Adesanya. After three straight defeats at the hands of his archrival, Alex Pereira, many might have believed that ‘Izzy’ will never be able to conquer his Brazilian opponent. But, ‘The Last Stylebender’ defied all odds to regain his lost UFC Middleweight gold with a second-round knockout of his opponent at UFC 287. ‘Izzy’s’ post-victory ‘arrow shooting’ and a few more unique celebrations also left the UFC fans awaiting his next bout.
Recently, Adesanya’s coach, Eugene Bareman, appeared on a ‘Sky Sports New Zealand’ program. A large number of fans might be excited to hear that Bareman also talked about when Adesanya might set foot inside the octagon next. He also laid stress on how ‘Izzy’ might be seen sooner inside the octagon if he faces his current “South African” rival.
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Eugene Bareman revealed Israel Adesanya may have his next bout in his neighboring country
A statement from Bareman revealed Adesanya’s much-known character of being one of the most active UFC champions. The ‘Sky Sports’ anchor raised the topic of Izzy’s next bout stating, “You were mentioning that he wants to get back into the octagon quick smack. And now there is the announcement of UFC Sydney”. She also questioned, “So what is the likelihood of us seeing Izzy at UFC Sydney?”
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Adesanya’s coach answered, “Izzy would preferably like to go in before that,“ revealing the battle readiness he is often known for. But he also stated why this wasn’t happening. “But there just doesn’t seem to be any opportunity at the moment,” said Bareman. Following this, he moved on to answer the original question of the presenter.
Bareman stated, “And I think, Sydney is a very real possibility”. Most UFC fans might already know that the promotional authorities have picked Sydney as the venue for UFC 293.
And with the current UFC Middleweight champ being from a neighboring country. It’s quite understandable that the authorities will also look to place him on the card as well.
Eugene Bareman hinted towards his preferred opponent for Israel Adesanya’s next bout
Most fans probably know that a virtual title eliminator between the famed Middleweights, Robert Whittaker, and the ‘South African’, Dricus Du Plessis, has been set up for UFC 290. Amid his ‘Sky Sports NZ’ appearance, Bareman also hinted at his preferred opponent for ‘Izzy’s’ next title defense.
After stating how Adesanya’s next fight could well be at UFC 293 in Sydney, Bareman also added, “Especially, if the South African[Dricus Du Plessis] wins”. ‘Izzy’s’ coach’ also gave out his reasons why he chose the “South African” Du Plessis, as his next preferred rival for him.

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LAS VEGAS, NV – March 3: Dricus Du Plessis at the ceremonial weigh-ins at MGM Grand Garden Arena for UFC 285 -Jones vs Gane : Ceremonial Weigh-ins on March 3, 2023 in Las Vegas, NV, United States. Photo by Louis Grasse/PxImages Louis Grasse / SPP PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxBRAxMEX Copyright: xLouisxGrassex/xSPPx SPP_156448
Bareman said, “Obviously, he’s never fought the South African. There’s a little bit of story developing behind Israel and the South African. There’s a story there and there’s a rivalry there”. There’s a fierce ongoing beef between the ‘Nigerian-New Zealander’ and the ‘South African’ regarding “The real African fighter in UFC” currently.
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Understandably, this background story might contribute to a better buildup to the fight. This, in turn, might engage a lot more fans and bring in more viewership. On the other hand, Whittaker has already lost to ‘The Last Stylebender’ a couple of times. He currently stands at 0-2 against him.
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In such situations, whom would you like to be Adesanya’s next opponent? Also, do you think he will take the octagon at UFC 293 in Sydney?
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