Dana White’s inside scoop: Israel Adesanya’s UFC return fight date all but revealed
Dana White recently stated that there is a plan in place for Israel Adesanya's UFC return.
During the post-event press conference for UFC Fight Night 224, White was asked when Adesanya will be returning to the octagon. The middleweight champion had previously mentioned that he wanted to be active after regaining the 185-pound championship.
MMA Mania's Alex Behunin asked whether the winner of the upcoming Dricus du Plessis vs. Robert Whittaker bout will have to make a quick turnaround as their fight is believed to be a title eliminator:
"UFC 293, Sydney [Australia], I'm guessing you're hoping Israel Adesanya headlines that card but with Robert [Whittaker] and Dricus [du Plessis] fighting two months prior at International Fight Week... It's gonna be a quick turnaround for the winner of that fight. Are you kind of thinking about that?"
The UFC president didn't reveal too much specifics but clearly has something in mind for Adesanya's next fight, which will likely take place at UFC 293 in Sydney, Australia.
He mentioned that there will be an announcement regarding the middleweight champion:
"We'll make that announcement soon."
I asked about the possible 2 month turnaround for Whittaker/Du Plessis against Izzy for UFC 293 - and Dana teased an announcement https://t.co/xdpS4RC9Jv
It will be interesting to see what announcement White was referring to as some fans are speculating that Adesanya could be challenging Jamahal Hill for the light heavyweight championship.
Dana White shares his thoughts on Francis Ngannou's PFL deal
Dana White weighed in on Francis Ngannou's deal with the PFL and sounded off on the former UFC heavyweight champion.
During the aforementioned press conference, the UFC president was asked what he thought about the deal. Dana White stated that he didn't understand it because Ngannou won't be fighting for the PFL until 2024. He claimed that 'The Predator' didn't want to take risks, which is why White believes he left the UFC rather than fight Jon Jones:
"Francis [Ngannou] wants to take zero risks, doesn't want to take any chances, and he obviously didn't want to take a chance with Jon Jones, and after we saw what happened with Ciryl Gane, I don't blame him."
Dana White is not thrilled about Francis Ngannou's new PFL contract 👀
#UFC #MMA #PFL https://t.co/RqYI0jMooD