Could Israel Adesanya be bulking up for a second attempt at capturing the UFC light heavyweight title?
Israel Adesanya is strutting his stuff.
The former UFC middleweight champion was flexing for his Instagram followers earlier this week while maximizing his time away from the Octagon. “The Last Stylebender” is currently enjoying an extended vacation from combat sports, which may or may not last until 2027.
Seems like Adesanya is having trouble making up his mind (or simply trolling).
One particular post on Reddit had the MMA community speculating on a possible return for the UFC 300 pay-per-view (PPV) in April, attributing Adesanya’s bigger physique to a potential move to light heavyweight, where longtime rival Alex Pereira reigns supreme.
Have a look:
Fans had a lot to say about the new-look Adesanya:
—Looking about 205.
—When he fought Jan he was barely weighing more than his usual MW fight weight, maybe he sees that as a mistake and is gona put on some beef for another shot.
—UFC 300 for the 205 title. The main event we all want. Conor who?
—Yo I’m so down to see a jacked Izzy fight Pereira at 205.
—He’s fighting Alex for the 205 strap at 300 I’m convinced. My best guess is when he says “ I lied” in reference to him telling Jamahal that he doesn’t intend to come up and fight Alex; the rivalry is over.
—Well yeah. He’s not fighting. What do you expect him to do, NOT take steroids? Lol.
—Put that arm down — it’s only up to hide that mega tit, although you can still see a slight outline even with his arm up.
Adesanya has faced accusations of steroid abuse in the past.
There’s also speculation that Adesanya, 34, could be gearing up (no pun intended) to fight the winner of Sean Strickland vs. Dricus Du Plessis, who go to war in the UFC 297 PPV main event later this month in Toronto (more on that upcoming fight here).
Adesanya lost his title to Strickland at UFC 293 last fall.