This weekend, UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya wants to join the very exclusive UFC champion club when he tackles Jan Blachowicz for the UFC light heavyweight title.
The Nigerian-born Kiwi achieved his chance at double champion status after winning his 185 belt impressively twice last year and defending. Last year, he beat Yoel Romero by unanimous decision and then in September pasted Paulo Costa.
With a 205 lber following, many people are wondering what the plan of ‘Stylebender’ might be, win or lose, after UFC 259.
He spoke to ESPN earlier this week and given a surprising answer about what he wants next in the middleweight division.
When asked who motivated him in his weight class, Adesanya points to the man who ranks fourth in the division: Darren Till.
“I just keep saying, I hope he keeps winning so we can fight the battle because you know the vibes,” Adesanya (h / t SportsKeeda.com) said. ‘I just like that style … If he wants to be that Muay Thai master and he thinks he can stand up to me, be my guest. Yes, I like Till, I like the style and I would love to fight him, but he just has to win man. He just needs to get his thing together and keep winning, Till. Come on, skater. ”
Till joined the UFC in 2015 as a welterweight. After going 5-0-1 in the division, securing a win over Stephen Thompson, the Englishman earned a £ 170 title fight with Tyron Woodley.
At 2018’s UFC 228, Woodley Till finishes by submission. Until then, Jorge Masvidal loses by KO the following year.
After these losses, Till gained weight to face Kelvin Gastelum. He won the battle with a split decision. His most recent fight was last July; a unanimous decision loss for former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker.