Uriah Hall: Israel Adesanya is “Looking For Easy Fights”

Israel Adesanya has defeated three of the top five ranked middleweights on the UFC roster, and has established himself as one of the sport’s best fighters. But, Uriah Hall isn’t impressed with the matchmaking campaigns of the undefeated star.

Hall says Adesanya is “looking for easy fights”

Adesanya faced Paulo Costa last month at UFC 253, and put away his rival in the second round. Leading up to the fight, many believed Costa would be Adesanya’s biggest test to date. But that didn’t turn out to be the case.

After his win, Adesanya relayed that he wanted to fight Jared Cannonier next, if the latter beat Robert Whittaker at UFC 254. That didn’t happen either, however, as Whittaker outscored Cannonier for the decision win.

Well, as it stands right now, it’s not clear when and who Adesanya will fight next. But ahead of Hall’s bout this Saturday with Anderson Silva, he said this about the champ (quotes via MMA Junkie).

“Adesnaya is picking his fights, man,” Hall said. “He sees what I see. He sees holes in all these guys, and he’s already picking (Jared) Cannonier.

He’s looking for easy fights. Yeah, I said it.

“So I know why he’s picking certain fights, but I’m dynamic, especially where I’m at right now.

I’m laser focused, so it’s a matter of time. I’m just going to play the politics card and whoever the UFC needs me to beat and get to the top.”

It will be interesting to see whether Adesanya responds to this and what he, and his supporters, have to say. It is true that Adesanya called for a bout with Yoel Romero, and was granted it.

But, it’s also true that most people thought the powerful wrestler would be a stiff test for the champ.

On account of the fact Adesanya has already defeated the likes of Whittaker, Romero and Costa, there aren’t a lot of options for him, in terms of a top-five ranked opponent. Jack Hermansson is ranked #4, but he’s not long removed from a loss to Cannonier.

Hall is excited to face the legendary Silva

Adesanya aside, Hall’s next task is getting by one of the greatest fighters ever in Silva. The two are set to fight in the headliner of UFC Vegas 12 on Saturday. 

While discussing what it means to be facing the star, Hall said this.

“Yeah, this is one of the biggest fights,” Hall said. “Andeson Silva is a legend. I’m just excited to go out there against a guy I watched growing up. To me, I made it. That’s how I look at it.”

Can Hall hand Silva a defeat, in a bout that the legend’s said will be his final UFC fight?