UFC 248: Israel Adesanya Warns Yoel Romero About Coming “Heavy” With His Wrestling

Israel Adesanya drove hard for a fight with Yoel Romero, because he wants to show the MMA world that he can take out a world class wrestler. But, recently the vaunted striker outlined why Romero is going to pay for it, if he leans on his wrestling at UFC 248.

Adesanysa warns Romero against coming “heavy” with his wrestling

After Adesanya unified the middleweight titles in October by taking out Robert Whittaker, the plan was to have him fight rising contender, Paulo Costa next. But, the undefeated fighter incurred a bicep injury and Adesanya called out Romero.

Since Romero is coming off defeats to Costa and before that, Whittaker, the call out surprised some. Typically speaking, you don’t see fighters tapped for title fights after two straight losses. But, Adesanya let it be known that the reason he wants to fight Romero is to show his detractors he can defeat a top-tier wrestler. “The Last Stylebender” put away Derek Brunson, who is an accomplished wrestler in his own right, but he’s not a former Olympic Silver Medalist and former world champ like Romero.

Well, at a recent presser to promote his March 7th scrap with Romero, Adesanya had this warning for the challenger (quote via MMA Junkie):

“If he comes heavy with the wrestling, he better pack a lunch because he’s going to be in for a long day,” Adesanya said. “Sprawl and brawl. When I sprawl, my nuts are going to be on the back of his head. I’ll push his head down, and I’ll smack him in the face with an uppercut.”

It’s going to be really interesting to see how Romero approaches the highlight reel striker. It would be shocking if Romero doesn’t come with takedowns, fairly often. But, he’ll likely wait for his opportunities off of striking blitzes. Will Adesanya be able to counter these? We shall see.

Adesanya discusses possibility of Romero missing weight

Romero has had issues making 185 in the past, and if that happens on March 6th, what will Adesanya do? While talking about that possibility, the champ said this:

“If he misses weight, all I know is I want 80 percent of his (expletive) check,” Adesanya said. “That’s the only thing that pisses me off, because then it wouldn’t be classified with a red ruby on my belt if he doesn’t make weight, and that would really piss me off, and I would probably give the shot to someone else who deserves it. I might ask for the replacement.”

Jared Cannonier was expected to serve as an alternative at UFC 248, but recently he announced he tore his pectoral muscle and will need surgery. Darren Till, meanwhile, has been campaigning for the alternative spot. But, it remains to be seen if the UFC can work that out.

UFC 248 will be hosted by T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.