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Israel Adesanya, the two-time UFC middleweight kingpin known for his electrifying agility and unorthodox striking, finds himself at a crossroads. After dropping three consecutive fights—a first in his storied career—the Nigerian-Kiwi star is navigating uncharted waters. Yet even as critics question his dominance, fresh challengers are circling.
The latest? A surging contender hungry to test Adesanya’s resolve. For a fighter who once seemed untouchable, this new callout could reignite his fire—or expose cracks in the armor of “The Last Stylebender.”
Roman Dolidze challenges Israel Adesanya
Enter Roman Dolidze. The Georgian powerhouse, fresh off a decisive revenge win over Marvin Vettori at UFC Vegas 104, isn’t mincing words. After avenging a 2023 loss to the Italian brawler, Dolidze made his ambitions crystal clear: “I deserve a top-five fight, 100 percent,” he declared post-fight. But he didn’t stop there. Eyes locked on legacy, Dolidze called out two marquee names: ex-champ Robert Whittaker and the struggling Adesanya.
“There are two realistic fights for me. It’s [Robert] Whittaker or [Israel] Adesanya,” Dolidze stated, his confidence unwavering. “Let’s go! Just give me a date. That’s all I need. Nothing more.”
The demand comes at a pivotal moment. Israel Adesanya, still reeling from a shocking loss to Nassourdine Imavov, has openly doubted his path back to title contention. Meanwhile, Whittaker—once Adesanya’s fiercest rival—is plotting his own comeback after a submission defeat to Khamzat Chimaev. For Dolidze, timing is everything. Riding a three-fight win streak, he’s leveraging momentum to leapfrog into headline bouts.
Why this clash matters:
Redemption or Reckoning? Adesanya’s recent skid has fans questioning if his legendary reflexes still shine. A fight with Dolidze offers a chance to silence doubters—or risk further decline.
Dolidze’s Rise: The 36-year-old’s gritty grappling and knockout power make him a stylistic wildcard. For Israel Adesanya, accustomed to strikers, this could be a tactical curveball.
Stakes for Whittaker: If “The Reaper” opts for Sean Strickland instead, Dolidze vs. Adesanya becomes a de facto eliminator for title relevance.
Adesanya’s aura of invincibility has dimmed, but his star power hasn’t. UFC matchmakers know his name alone sells pay-per-views. Dolidze, while less flashy, brings raw hunger and a narrative of reinvention. For Adesanya, accepting this challenge isn’t just about rankings—it’s about reclaiming his identity as the division’s boogeyman. As Dolidze bluntly put it, all he needs is a date. The ball’s now in Israel Adesanya’s court: Will he answer the call, or let doubters write his next chapter?
