Amid fulfilling Dana White’s “Narrative”, Israel Adesanya’s LHW move discussed by UFC legends

Most fans are probably aware of the fact that the UFC Middleweight champ Israel Adesanya will have his next title defense against the victor of the coveted UFC 290 bout between Dricus Du Plessis and Robert Whittaker. However, the UFC had also revealed its plans that Adesanya might be going up to Light Heavyweight post this title defense, for another shot at the coveted champ-champ status.

Looking at the current stature of ‘Izzy’ in the UFC, it’s quite understandable that the promotion wants to create an even bigger star out of him. Dana White and company had also tried this move previously. But, ‘Izzy’ failed to show his mettle against the then UFC Light Heavyweight champion, Jan Blachowicz.

But currently, after steamrolling almost all the noted Middleweights, White saw another opportunity for pushing the same move once again. Recently, the noted UFC veteran, Brendan Schaub was joined by the famed UFC Lightweight, Anthony Smith, for an episode of his YouTube podcast. The two opined how Dana White was setting up ‘Izzy’s’ move to Light Heavyweight. They also presented their list of possible opponents for Adesanya in the penultimate weight division of the UFC.

Israel Adesanya’s domination over Middleweights justified Dana White’s narrative

Schaub started off the discussion about Izzy’s move up with a mention of his archrival, Alex Pereira. He implied how the UFC had signed even the arch nemesis of Adesanya to provide him with new competitors. But even after claiming Adesanya’s title for a short while, Pereira was also devastated by ‘The Last Stylebender’.

‘Big brown stated, “His[Alex Pereira] run was tailor-made to get him to the title shot. Great manager. Dana’s like we got a narrative like Izzy’s killing everybody at top 5. So let’s get out, let’s pair it right up there”.

As per Schaub’s opinion, Adesanya’s victory over his archrival ‘Poatan’ created a reason for the UFC boss to promote the narrative of moving ‘Izzy’ to a heavier weight class.

However, he also had Izzy’s previous Light Heavyweight run in his mind. This might be the reason behind Schaub stating, “At Light Heavyweight, not really the same kind of easy test there, man”. It was probably due to Adesanya’s previous loss that Schaub didn’t want him to face Blachowicz once again at Light Heavyweight.

Anthony Smith and Brendan Schaub suggested Light Heavyweight rivals for Israel Adesanya

Although Izzy’s coach, Eugene Bareman, wanted him to challenge the Light Heavyweight king, Jamahal Hill, Smith and Schaub presented different opinions. Schaub gave out his take, stating, “I’d like a Johnny Walker fight for him. I even think Jiri will be a better matchup than Jan for him.”

Smith also joined ‘The Sting’ as he stated, “Even Rakić is a tough matchup. He is a striker. But he can wrestle when he wants to”. Schaub presented his final suggestion, mentioning, “And Ankalaev, take a high dude, you’re gonna ruin all the stars”. However, from his words, it may be said that Schaub adjudged Ankalaev as an unfair matchup for ‘Izzy’.

Watch this Story – Israel Adesanya ranks himself above Michael Jordan in pettiness

Which Light heavyweight do you think ‘The Last Stylebender’ might lock horns with if he moves up another weight division?