In the wake of one of the biggest upsets in UFC history, this past weekend in Sydney, where Sean Strickland completely outmatched Israel Adesanya, the debate for a rematch has many notable participants. One such participant is former heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier. The champ-champ, who was one of the commentators for the fight, had an interesting point to make regarding the rematch.
Cormier was of the opinion that Adesanya was not liable for an immediate rematch, considering his overall performance against Strickland. Izzy was completely outmatched by Strickland and won a unanimous decision at the end of 5 rounds. Moreover, it could be said that Strickland beat Adesanya at his own game by standing firm and outstriking his opponent.
Live now! Goooooo https://t.co/4TcjdW5Dr3 pic.twitter.com/WogXy8FqJ4
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) September 10, 2023
“The last time Izzy lost, all we could speak about was he should be next again. I don’t think that this time. I don’t think he should fight for a belt next. I don’t think he should get an automatic rematch. I think the division needs to move on a little bit.” Said Daniel Cormier in a reaction video after UFC 293.
The combination of a jab with a right cross was all it took to dethrone the best striker the middleweight division had seen so far. As such, the division needs to look at other deserving fighters for a shot at the middleweight title, according to Cormier. It just goes to show that Cormier is willing to put his friendship with Israel Adesanya aside to come to a fair judgement. Unfortunately for DC, UFC boss, Dana White might have other plans.
Daniel Cormier and Dana White’s contrasting thoughts on a rematch for Israel Adesanya
At the post-fight press conference for UFC 293, Dana White had this to say when asked about a potential immediate rematch for Adesanya,
“I think you do the rematch, absolutely,” White said. “The rematch is interesting. That could be the thing, too. When you think about, you’re going into the [Alex] Pereira fight, such a big fight, and you’ve been in there with this guy so many times, and then you overlook Strickland.”
White is clearly of the opinion that Adesanya should get an immediate rematch against Strickland. He even referenced the rematch against Alex Pereira to make his point, saying how Izzy was able to come back stronger and knock out Pereira in the rematch. That was a fight that the fans thoroughly enjoyed, and hence, the prospect of a rematch entices the UFC boss.
What do you guys think? Should Adesanya get an immediate rematch? Or should Strickland fight someone like Dricus Du Plessis or Khamzat Chimaev next? Let us know in the comments below.
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