Kamaru Usman and Henry Cejudo share contrasting predictions for Dricus du Plessis vs. Israel Adesanya title fight
Israel Adesanya recently announced his upcoming title fight against current middleweight king Dricus du Plessis at UFC 305 on August 17.
This highly anticipated bout marks Adesanya's attempt to reclaim the gold he lost to Sean Strickland last year, who himself fell to du Plessis earlier this year. Reacting to the upcoming clash, former UFC champions Kamaru Usman and Henry Cejudo offered contrasting predictions on their Pound4Pound Show.
Usman believes Adesanya will prevail, highlighting his ability to "break you down stylistically" and adapt to challenges. He feels the fight will allow Adesanya to showcase his problem-solving skills.
"I like Israel Adesanya in a fight like this possesses the things that gives Israel the ability to shine... If Izzy is mentally there in that fight, I think he gets it done in his typical fashion. Israel's gonna break you down stylistically. I think a fight like this gives Israel those challenges that you have to adapt to. And those are the challenges when presented to Israel Adeasanya, he can solve those puzzles very very well."
However, Cejudo disagrees. He sees du Plessis' diverse fighting style posing a threat and believes Adesanya will need to rely heavily on his kicks and maintain distance to secure victory. Cejudo suggests Adesanya's success hinges on his mental state and ability to adjust to du Plessis's unpredictable approach.
"I'm gonna have to disagree Kamaru Usman. Stylistically Dricus, Dricus does mix his fighting, and if Israel's not accustomed to somebody mixing... The way that Israel's gonna have a probability of actually winning is gonna be him really investing in those kicks and catching that distance. But I just think Dricus is too smart dude."
Check out Usman and Cejudo share their prediction in the clip below:
Israel Adesanya advises Michael Chandler to stay active after UFC 303 fight cancellation
Israel Adesanya believes Michael Chandler should stay active by taking another fight while waiting for a potential clash with Conor McGregor.
Chandler's originally scheduled bout against McGregor at UFC 303 fell through due to McGregor's injury. While a future matchup remains a possibility, Adesanya suggests Chandler shouldn't wait on the sidelines.
Adesanya said on his YouTube channel:
"Take a fight, regardless. That Conor fight is always going to be there because they both faced each other [as coaches] on [The Ultimate Fighter]. Beef, all that other stuff sprinkled all over it... So yeah, that already is there. So just take another fight I think. Yeah.”
Check out Israel Adesanya's comments below (2:03):