Israel Adesanya snapped back at critics who have called him ‘soft’ amid reports that he will face Sean Strickland at UFC 293 instead of top-ranked contender Dricus Du Plessis.
‘Stillknocks’ earned himself an opportunity to challenge for the middleweight title with a stunning second-round knockout against Robert Whittaker at UFC 290 earlier this month. Unfortunately, Du Plessis will not be able to make the quick turnaround that Adesanya was demanding. As a result, ‘The Last Stylebender’ is promoting a UFC 293 title fight this September against outspoken division standout Sean Strickland.
While the change in opponent isn’t necessarily Adesanya’s fault, as Du Plessis is currently nursing a foot injury, that didn’t stop fight fans from slamming the middleweight champ for being soft by choosing an opponent that doesn’t stand much of a chance in the eyes of the many. ‘Stylebender’ responded to those critics, referencing his rather active record as champion whilst taking a dig at some of the division’s fan favorites.
“First year in the UFC If ought five times. As a champion I keep showing up even through them c0v!d times,” Adesanya tweeted. “Y’all call me soft cuz I’m kind and like nice things. Your faves are softer than a babysh*t!!!”
First year in the UFC I fought 5 times.
As a champion I keep showing up even through them c0v!d times. Y’all call me soft cuz I’m kind and like nice things. Your faves are softer than a babyshit!!!
— Israel Adesanya (@stylebender) July 20, 2023
. Your faves are softer than a babyshit!!!
Israel Adesanya is still expected to face Dricus Du Plessis, but the ‘Stylebender’ is determined to stay active and is hell-bent on competing at UFC 293 in Australia which is just a hop, skip, and a jump away from his home in Auckland, New Zealand.
Adesanya’s proposed opponent, Sean Strickland currently sits as the No. 6 ranked contender in the division. ‘Tarzan’ is 3-2 in his last five, scoring wins over Jack Hermansson, Nassourdine Imavov, and Abus Magomedov. Nestled in between those wins were back-to-back losses against former middleweight champion Alex Pereira and perennial contender Jared Cannonier.
Are you interested in seeing the ‘Stylebender’ put his middleweight title on the line against Sean Strickland at UFC 293 later this year?