Following his UFC 305 main event submission defeat to bitter rival Dricus du Plessis, former two-time champion Israel Adesanya finds himself in a less than ideal position. His flawless and flamboyant reign over 185 pounds is beginning to become an increasingly distant memory. I will admit, seeing Stylebender gloveless in the moments after his most recent outing did briefly show the possibility of retirement, but that was quickly set straight by the former kickboxer. Adesanya is not finished yet, however, his next step is arguably his most pivotal to date.
The top of the Middleweight division is thriving at the moment, with recognised names and emerging talent both in high supply. On paper, this should provide Adesanya with a clear option moving forward. Unfortunately, it doesn’t. Du Plessis and Strickland are likely to rematch, he’s already dispatched of Whittaker, Vettori and Cannonier, and I doubt names like Borralho, Imavov or Allen really entise him. Khamzat Chimaev would be a scintillating prospect if he can get past Whittaker later this year, but Borz will almost certainly be looking at a title shot should he get his hand raised in Abu Dhabi. Enter Michael Chiesa.
The former Ultimate Fighter winner played matchmaker following the conclusion of Cannonier vs Borralho, and I must say, he absolutely nailed it. The correct move has to be a showdown with Jiri Prochazka. The Czech fighter is in a fairly comparable position to Adesanya at the moment following back-to-back championship KO losses to Alex Pereira either side of a typically enthralling win over Rakić at UFC 300. The former Light Heavyweight Champion is standing at a crucial career junction as well.
Stylistically this one is just absolute gold too. Even in defeat, Adesanya’s smooth, calculated striking was on full display. Couple that with the erratic, unorthodox and frankly unhinged approach of Prochazka and ladies and gentlemen, we have a barnburner. Jiri’s size and explosiveness pitted against Adesanya’s cunning and swagger? Sign me up. But there are more factors at play here. BJP has been hinting at a drop down to 185 practically ever since UFC 303, and Izzy has been clear on his desire to take another swing at 205 for some time now. If I’m Prochazka, I’m pushing for this one at Middleweight. A fresh start in a new division. But for Adesanya, a big win over one of Light Heavyweight’s best draws us towards a potential trilogy with a certain scary Brazilian. Chama?
To summarize, Israel Adesanya vs Jiri Prochazka is as compelling as it is potentially career ending, for both. Another high profile loss on either side could end all hope of reclaiming UFC gold. Get these gentlemen booked in for a 5 round co-main on pay-per-view. It could even headline if the rest of the card is strong enough. Will it come to fruition? Who knows. Do I want to see it? Absolutely.
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