Israel Adesanya is ‘blowing up’ phones at UFC HQ asking for another fight

Fight fans could be seeing Israel Adesanya back in the cage sooner rather than later.

Adesanya just scored a massive win over his rival Alex Pereira at UFC 287 earlier this month to win back his Middleweight title (watch highlights). It was a big fight and a big risk. “Poatan” was already 3-0 against “The Last Stylebender” in combat sports. A second loss in mixed martial arts (MMA) would have knocked Izzy out of the championship circuit for the foreseeable future.

But, Adesanya dug deep and knocked out Pereira in the second round, regaining his spot atop the division.

Most champs would take some time off after such a nerve-racking stretch. But, according to UFC President, Dana White, Adesanya wants to turn right around and get back in the cage as soon as possible.

“This guy was already blowing Hunter and the boys up — ‘When’s my next fight, when’s my next fight, I want to fight again, I want to fight again,’” White said at the UFC Kansas City post-fight press conference. “I love that about Israel Adesanya. Israel Adesanya wants to fight non-stop, constantly. And he wants to fight everybody. So ... yeah, we’re working on that and he’ll fight again soon, maybe before the end of the summer.”

Asked if UFC had an opponent lined up, White said, “Not yet. No sir, or I would have announced it.”

While anything is possible, Adesanya and his coach have both made statements shooting down another Alex Pereira fight. They also don’t sound to hot on the prospect of rematching Robert Whittaker or Marvin Vettori, guys Izzy has beaten twice. Khamzat Chimaev? Call them when he’s won a fight against a Top 5 Middleweight.

On the “maybe” list: Sean Strickland and Dricus Du Plessis have been mentioned as possible opponents ... if they manage to win their next fights. Jan Blachowicz sounds very serious about giving Adesanya a rematch at 185 pounds. And given the landscape at 205 pounds, maybe we see Izzy try for the Light Heavyweight title again, currently held by Jamahal Hill.

There’s certainly options ... some definitely better than others. Who do you want to see Israel Adesanya fight next, Maniacs? Let us know in the comments.