Despite this report, Israel Adesanya has his hands full when he faces off against Brad Tavares at The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 27 Finale on July 6, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Still, that hasn’t stopped the young up-and-coming star from focusing on his next target.
“The Last Stylebender” is hoping to score a showdown against Uriah Hall should he get through Brad and Uriah get past Paulo Costa the next day at UFC 226. That’s because Israel isn’t happy with some alleged smack talk “Prime Time” has been dishing his way.
And since he feels his fight against Tavares will be a breeze, a fight against Hall is very realistic.
“To be honest, Brad is going to be easier than my last fight. In my last fight I was able to read him on the fly, but Brad is a book that I’ve read so many times. It’s a test that I’ve passed many times. I really don’t see that being a tough fight for me,” he told MMA Fighting.
As for Hall, Israel isn’t too impressed with his body of work or his style, likening it someone playing a video game, smashing buttons hoping something connects.
“Uriah Hall, you ever play that game Tekken where you just button bash? I always think that’s what he looks like. He’s just button bashing and hoping something cool will come out of it,” he added, before explaining his the root of his disdain for Hall.
“Someone sent me a few screenshots of some sh*t he was saying on Instagram recently. The guy is using my lines and he’s trying to take my clout. He’s a clout chaser, he’s an Instagram whore. After this fight, if he wins his fight, then I’ll make him famous.”
Adesanya has collected a mint 13-0, 2-0 mark so far in his mixed martial arts (MMA) career, earning comparisons to a young Jon Jones. While he has a very long way to go before he gets near “Bones” level, Israel has looked good so far, but his upcoming test against Tavares is his biggest one yet in MMA.
Anyone digging a potential Adesanya vs Hall showdown later on down the road? Or will the flashy striker’s hype be derailed by Tavares?