In the world of mixed martial arts, few fighters command as much respect and admiration as Israel Adesanya and Alex Volkanovski. As Adesanya prepares for his highly anticipated return to the octagon, Volkanovski has made a bold prediction that has fans buzzing with excitement.
Israel Adesanya, also known as “The Last Stylebender,” is set to face Dricus du Plessis in a middleweight title fight at UFC 305. This bout marks Adesanya’s return after a surprising defeat to Sean Strickland at UFC 293, where he lost his middleweight belt. Following this loss, Adesanya took a break to recover from lingering injuries and recharge after an intense period of competition.
Alex Volkanovski’s Prediction
Alex Volkanovski, a close friend and teammate of Adesanya, believes that this break has only made Adesanya stronger. Volkanovski predicts that Adesanya will deliver a performance reminiscent of his striking masterclass against Paulo Costa at UFC 253. In that fight, Adesanya showcased his exceptional striking skills, dismantling Costa with precision and poise.
“I even chatted to [Adesanya] before he started camp, and he was already fired up and on. We’re gonna see him coming back, I think he’s gonna look incredible. Dricus is a tough guy, great fighter. But I think this Israel that’s gonna turn up is gonna be one of those, you know when he comes back and you see a Paulo Costa performance, or even the first Robert Whittaker performance. I’m expecting him to come out and have one of those moments,” Alex Volkanovski stated.
The upcoming fight against Dricus du Plessis is not just about reclaiming the title for Adesanya; it’s also about settling a personal score. Du Plessis has made comments about wanting to be the “first real African champion” in the UFC, which has added an extra layer of intensity to this matchup.
Fans and analysts alike are eagerly awaiting this showdown. Adesanya’s ability to adapt and evolve has been a hallmark of his career, and many believe that his time off has allowed him to refine his skills even further. Volkanovski’s confidence in Adesanya’s return adds to the anticipation, as he is known for his keen insights and understanding of the sport.
As UFC 305 approaches, the excitement continues to build. Will Israel Adesanya deliver a performance that echoes his past brilliance against Paulo Costa? According to Alex Volkanovski, the answer is a resounding yes. For fans of “The Last Stylebender,” this fight promises to be a spectacle of skill, strategy, and sheer determination.