Tim Simpson, Israel Adesanya’s manager, has disclosed that the former middleweight champion is disheartening to missed out on a opportunity to fight on one of the biggest cards in UFC history on Saturday (today).
Adesanya, who’s twice held the middleweight title isn’t one of them. The UFC 300 event features a stacked lineup with a number of current and former champions.
Adesanya has previously said he wanted to fight champion Dricus du Plessis, but du Plessis was unable to make the April 13 date after a five-round battle with Sean Strickland at UFC 297 in January.
Du Plessis confirmed that he made the call not to fight Adesanya at UFC 300, and that decision did not sit well with the Nigerian-born fighter, according to manager Simpson.
Simpson said of Adesanya on the MMA Hour, “Israel was very upset that he didn’t do it,”.
“I believe Dricus was not ready. I think he had some sort of procedure after the last fight. Again, this is what’s been put publicly by Israel and (coach) Eugene (Bareman). But yeah, he really, really wanted it. He was upset, he wanted to be here and do it, he really, really wanted to do it. He loves big moments, the title fight coming back. I was texting (UFC executive) Hunter (Campbell) and couldn’t get it done on Dricus’ side, but Izzy was ready to go.”
Simpson remains optimistic that Adesanya can secure a title fight against du Plessis on the upcoming UFC 305 card which takes place on August 17 in Perth, Australia.
Adesanya is coming off of a self-imposed vacation following a disheartening loss to Strickland this past September that cost him the middleweight belt. Regardless, Simpson is certain his client can step right back into a title fight.
