SUMMARY
- Following the events of UFC 297, there was speculation that Dricus du Plessis would make a turnaround for UFC 300.
- Previously, Israel Adesanya shared some posts that hinted at his return to UFC 300.
UFC 300 draws nearer by the day and fans are yet to receive any news of the main event. With numerous names touted for the supposed mega-fight, we have seen mentions of former middleweight champ, Israel Adesanya. However, will his return be enough to draw the PPV buys over the mythical 1 million mark? Let’s find out.
Following the events of UFC 297, there were many indications that newly crowned champ, Dricus du Plessis would make a turnaround for UFC 300. Since many felt that Sean Strickland was wrongfully ‘robbed’, there was a lot of outcry for an immediate rematch. However, according to Dricus and Dana White, that would not be the case. Instead, many wondered whether ‘The Last Stylebender‘ would respond to du Plessis’ callout.
🚨| Israel Adesanya seemingly hinting a return at UFC 300 on April 13th. 😳
[@stylebender IG]#MMA #UFC pic.twitter.com/fOVfszCDOM
— MMA Frenzy (@mma_frenzy) February 1, 2024
In the weeks that have followed, the fans have seen the former champ drop numerous hints of a return. Moreover, with other potential candidates either booked or to be booked for future events, Izzy has become the frontrunner. Following a shock loss to Strickland at UFC 293, Adesanya stated that he would be taking some time off to heal and recover. However, the prospect of headlining UFC 300 could bring him out of his self-imposed retirement.
Taking into consideration, the magnitude of an event such as UFC 300, Izzy’s return could be a game-changer. With options running low and a bona fide superstar at their disposal, the UFC could plead with the fighter to return. At the same time, there have been questions regarding Adesanya’s PPV-selling ability. As such, let’s take a look at his most popular fights and how many PPV buys they’ve done.
UFC 281: Adesanya vs. Pereira (2022)
For the most part, Israel Adesanya taking on Alex Pereira was a heavily anticipated matchup. Owing to their rivalry in kickboxing and Pereira’s monumental surge up the rankings, the fight was a must-watch. On the night, Adesanya suffered yet another loss at the hands of his arch-rival, which he would later go on to avenge at UFC 287.
As for the event itself, it was surprisingly one of Izzy’s worst-performing PPVs. In the past, Adesanya’s rematch against Marvin Vettori at UFC 263 was seen as his lowest-budget event, with only 600,000 buys. Similarly, despite expectations of crossing the one million mark, rumors suggested that UFC 281 also did 600,000 buys. Considering that initial reports can be misleading, UFC 281 is assumed to have done more buys than UFC 263.
UFC 253: Adesanya vs. Costa (2020)
Coming in next place is Israel Adesanya’s second title defense against Paulo Costa. Taking place in Abu Dhabi when the world had seemingly closed its doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As such, many were keen to watch this fight one way or another. Notably, Costa had also made a surge up the rankings and impressed many with his war against Yoel Romero.
Thus, fans expected a blockbuster fight between Israel Adesanya and Costa. On the night, the Kiwi fighter put on an absolute clinic, leaving his Brazilian counterpart reeling on the ground. Moreover, Izzy also gave Costa a cheeky parting gift, which further escalated their feud. Due to the tremendous hype generated by the fight, it generated 700,000 PPV buys, which was definitely a noteworthy amount.
UFC 293: Adesanya vs. Strickland (2023)
Next, we have one of Izzy’s best-selling and most popular fights. Despite Dricus du Plessis being the originally intended opponent, Strickland was chosen to step in instead. Despite being a massive underdog and in enemy territory, the American fighter was shown a lot of support by fans due to his brash, loud-mouthed personality. Moreover, his exposing Adesanya’s ‘dog fetish’ in the press conference piqued fans’ interest as well.
Surprisingly, it was the first time in a long while that fans were rooting against Israel Adesanya. On the night, the champ was a shadow of himself, unable to cope with Strickland’s jab. Eventually, Sean’s emphatic victory became much talked about and reportedly brought in $62,853,000 in PPV revenue, equating to roughly 750-775,000 PPV buys.
UFC 259: Blachowicz vs. Adesanya (2021)
Notably, two of Izzy’s biggest fights have resulted in the biggest amount of PPV buys. Whilst Adesanya’s win over Alex Pereira at UFC 287 was a special moment entirely, it was also the biggest win of his career so far. Becoming a two-time champ, taking back his title, and settling the score with his arch-nemesis was a massive moment in his career. Thus, if rumors are to be believed, UFC 287 resulted in 800,000 buys.
Previously, the 34-year-old once challenged former LHW champ Jan Blachowicz at UFC 259, aiming to gain double champ status. Unfortunately, it was not his night, and Adesanya struggled with Blachowicz’s pressure inside the smaller APEX Octagon. However, what was meant to be his crowning moment, brought in a lot of eyes from around the world, resulting in 800,000 buys.
With that said, whether Izzy is the man to save UFC 300 from a business standpoint remains to be seen. Although many assume that the event will sell itself due to its importance, fans’ reactions to the card so far say otherwise. However, with a star like Adesanya on board and facing Dricus du Plessis in a grudge match, it could be enough to cross the fabled one million PPV buy mark.