Adesanya: Ngannou deal could be game changer

Israel Adesanya could meet Robert Whittaker for a third time in September.
Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Reigning UFC middleweight Israel Adesanya believes Francis Ngannou’s historic deal with the PFL will force the UFC to change the way it does business.

Adesanya said Ngannou’s deal is a big move and will have a ripple effect throughout the sport.

Speaking on his Youbtube channel the 185lb king said Ngannou was the guy to kick in the door and bring change to the industry.

“The UFC are not dumb. They’ll take notice, they know how to adapt and when something like this happens in another field, it creates a big ripple in the game and a big enough ripple could force the UFC to change the way…maybe like a small change.”

The Last Stylebender backed his former colleague for walking away from the UFC.

“He had no diva-ish demands, they were all reasonable.”

Adesanya said the Predator is a big money fight for anyone.

“I really like how his opponent is guaranteed a million, how many fighters are going to be like ‘right I need to get to the PFL?'”

He also commended Ngannou’s commitment to his home continent.

“PFL Africa will be awesome, you can see the talent, the potential there.”

Adesanya also confirmed his next fight in Sydney in September, against the winner of upcoming title eliminator between Robert Whittaker and Dricus Du Plessis

Adesanya backs Bobby Knuckles (Whittaker) to end it in the second round setting up a trilogy bout and a second fight between the pair in Australia.

He believes Whittaker will be fitter and faster and Du Plessis’ best chance is to make it ugly.

“I really want Dricus though so maybe I’m being biased.”

Asked by brother David about the potential third bout with ‘the Reaper’, Adesnaya said in a new state and new stadium it will be a completely different fight.

However, regarding fighting in New Zealand again, the outlook doesn’t appear to be positive.

Adesanya and Ulberg training at City Kick Boxing.
Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly

“Youv’e got guys like Dan (Hooker), Kai (Kara-France), Volk (Alexander Volkanovski), Carlos, (Ulberg).I dont have to headline over here we have plenty of superstars.”

Adesanya said it was important to enjoy watching local fighters while you can.

“You never know who’s going to be that dude.”

Reacting to teammate Carlos Ulberg’s third successive knockout, Adesanya said Ulberg was the hardest kicker in the gym.

“You can just feel it in the pads. Carlos knows how to hunt.”

The two time middleweight champion said he is still descending from the high after regaining his title at UFC 287 against Alex Pereira.

“It is all consuming, just the magnitude of the fight, who it was, and what was on the line, amplifies it so much more.”

Adesanya also has a documentary about his life which debuts in theatres on June 7.

The film follows his life through the ups and downs of his childhood and career tapping into masculinity, bullying, mental health and the art of fighting and dance.

“People need to watch this, men need to watch this, even if you don’t like me, there is a lot you can learn.”