Israel Adesanya is looking to prove he’s still “that dude” heading into his title fight against UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis next weekend at UFC 305, but “Last Stylebender” does not look the same.
The former UFC middleweight king has been sidelined since a shocking decision loss to Sean Strickland back at UFC 293 in Sept. 2023. It was only Adesanya’s second loss as a member of the 185-pound division, but a performance that forced him to step back and take a short break from fighting. Strickland eventually lost his title to du Plessis at UFC 297 earlier this year to pave the way for a grudge match between Adesanya and “Stillknocks.”
Ahead of his return, Adesanya has put on some extra muscle. He’s had enough time to properly add some weight and looks downright scary entering UFC 305 next weekend in Perth, Australia. The former UFC champion shared the below photo to social media on Friday showing off his chiseled physique:
Adesanya, who turned 35 last month, always stays in great shape out of camp, but the build up to UFC 305 and his awaited return to action has lit a bigger fire under him. The middleweight legend will try to win back his title, hand du Plessis his first loss inside of the Octagon, and prove that he remains one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the sport.
UFC 305 will go down on Aug. 17 live on ESPN+ pay-per-view (PPV) from inside RAC Arena in Perth, Western Australia. Du Plessis will defend his 185-pound title against Adesanya in the main event, while former UFC flyweight title challenger Steve Erceg returns to fight Kai Kara-France in the co-headliner.
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