UFC 276: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas
While it may not have been fireworks, or even looked pretty; the UFC’s Middleweight title will for now remain in Australia with Israel Adesanya. Yes; Adesanya’s a step better than the rest of the division. However; thanks to Jan Blachowicz the books been written how to beat him. It’s just a matter if anyone at 185 truly has the skills to match that.
Jared Cannonier in what is going to be probably his only title shot; never took risks. And because of that he leaves Vegas on the short end of a 50-45, 49-46 2x unanimous decision. Was the moment too big for him? Probably not; it’s not like he looked like a deer in the headlights. Although, he did just “watch” Adesanya at times, and didn’t push the limit, He accepted everything.
“The Last Stylebender” used his jab, kicks, and foot and head movement like a surgeon. Post fight he didn’t mince words with Joe Rogan saying that Alex Pereira should be next after his finish over Sean Strickland.
While Adesanya hasn’t been as magical as he was early on, his In-Cage-IQ continues to grow. He’s doing just what it takes to remain champion. However; the three-fight win streak he’s on right now, is all unanimous decisions. As champion there’s no need for him to throw caution to the wind though. That’s a challenger’s responsibility. And the last time he was truly tested was back against Kelvin Gastelum.
Adesanya’s A Step Better
Are there challenges out there for him? Sure. And in what would be a trilogy fight; Pereira would come into the fight with some decent numbers. He’s beaten Adesanya twice; sleeping him, and he still has a massive power edge, and is far from a slouch on the ground. Especially with the smaller MMA gloves. But, “Poatan” is just a baby in MMA.
There’s still Robert Whittaker, Marvin Vettori is still only 28-years-old. But the rest of the division is slim pickings for him. While he got pushed around by Blachowicz, if he tried another 205 move; Jiri Prochazka would do worse things to him. And there’s zero chance for him to await welterweight champion Kamaru Usman to come up. Or is it? The two close friends have said they’d not fight each other. But if Dana White opened the bank, it would be an incredible match-up. Especially with the way both are going.
Usman has the “pop” and the wrestling to keep Adesanya guessing. Outside of that, Anderson Silva’s divisional title defenses might fall.
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