Israel Adesanya Remains Committed to Fighting at 185

It remains to be seen if we see Israel Adesanya challenge light heavyweight champ Jan Blachowicz, or battle the former 205 king, Jon Jones. But, it seems clear that if  ‘The Last Stylebender’ moves up in weight for those fights, we’ll still see him throwing hands at middleweight.

Adesanya says 185 pounds is “perfect” for him

For months now, Adesanya has been feuding with Jones, and there’s been widespread talk about those two fighting in a light heavyweight showdown. In addition, after Jones announced he was vacating the light heavyweight title to make a run at heavyweight, Adesanya said he would go up two weight classes to face ‘Bones’ if needed.

More recently, Dana White has confirmed that the UFC is looking at having Adesanya challenge the new light heavyweight champ, Blachowicz next. But, even if that happens, and even if Adesanya wins the 205 title, he won’t be leaving middleweight behind.

While talking to MMA Junkie recently, Adesanya had this to say, while talking about his weight.

“(Middleweight is) my perfect fighting weight,” Adesanya said. “… It is fun and games in the way that I make it look easy, but it’s work.

t’s a challenge. it’s what drives you. I like doing things that many people would run away from. People run away from a fight, while I run toward it.”

So, you never know what can happen down the line. For example, if Adesanya scores some big wins at light heavyweight, and cleans out the middleweight division, maybe at some juncture he’ll decide to vacate the 185 belt?

But, for the foreseeable future, it certainly sounds like we’ll see Adesanya fighting at 185 fairly often.

Adesanya comments on losses in boxing and kickboxing

To date, the 31-year-old star has gone undefeated in 20 MMA bouts. But, if you’re a big combat sports fan, you also know that Adesanya did take some losses in kickboxing and boxing matches (he want 75-5 in kickboxing, and 5-1 in boxing).

But, while talking about those defeats, Adesnaya had this to say.

“That’s just one of those things that people try and put on you,” Adesanya said. “I’ve had losses in my past that never really changed who I am, never changed the fact that I’m a great fighter.

A lot of the greats have had losses. And every time I’ve had a loss, I always come back and knocked someone out.

Being undefeated is just a title. It’s one of those titles that people try to hold up like it’s something.

But you should see me in the gym. Some days I get my licks, so I know I can be beat.

“But, when it’s under the lights, and the pressure is on, on the biggest stage, and I’m having fun, I’m a hard man to beat.

I’m just gonna ride this out the way I’ve been riding it so far. Stay tuned.”

Lots of great fighters have been able to put a positive spin on defeats and they’ve returned as better competitors. Clearly Adesanya has been able to do just that.