Thiago Santos admits he wasn’t too happy when he heard about the UFC’s plan to have Israel Adesanya challenge new light heavyweight champ, Jan Blachowicz. But, now that he’s calmed down, ‘Marreta’ believes the middleweight champ could also capture that division’s title.
Santos believes Adesanya has the “advantage”
It wasn’t long ago when the consensus was that the winner of today’s bout between Santos and Glover Teixeira, would be the first man to challenge the new champ, Blachowicz.
After Adesanya put away Paulo Costa at UFC 253 in September, he said he wanted to defend the middleweight title against Jared Cannonier next. But, since Cannonier was defeated by Whittaker at UFC 254, plans for an Adesanya – Blachowicz fight kicked off.
Ahead of today’s fight, Santos was asked to comment on who he sees winning the super fight, and the contender said this (quotes via MMA Fighting).
“It’s a good match-up for [Adesanya]. Blachowicz can win, of course, but it’s a good fight for Adesanya. I think he has an advantage.”
That seems to be the general opinion. Althought Blachowicz will have the size and power advantage, it seems like most observers believe Adesanya’s dynamic striking will rule the day.
Santos admits he was “upset”
It remains to be seen if Adesanya – Blachowicz happens, but there is plenty of reasons to think it will. While talking about the UFC’s new plans to have Adesanya challenge for the 205 title next, Santos said this.
“I already knew nothing was definitive,” Santos said of the change of plans in the light heavyweight title picture.
“We never know what will happen until the contract is signed, so [UFC President Dana [White] can say… he said the winner [of Santos-Teixeira] would fight for the belt, and now said it’s going to be Adesanya.
I was upset at first when I saw the news, but then I calmed down and thought, ‘Why?’ Anything can happen.
“He might change in the end. We’re in a pandemic, injuries, anything can happen. I’ll continue doing my work, I’ll do my best to win against Glover and do what I have to do.
If Adesanya gets the fight, I’ll talk to my manager and coaches to see the best options, if I’m doing one more fight. I don’t know.
I don’t have much to say about this when there is no contract signed and things aren’t certain.”
It will be interesting to see what happens. If Adesanya does defeat Blachowicz, then you would think the UFC will push hard for a fight between Adesanya and Jones.
If that happens, then the winner of Santos – Teixeira will almost certainly, be tapped to fight again in the interim.
As UFC Vegas 13 arrives, Santos is ranked #1 in the UFC’s light heavyweight division and Teixeira is #3.
More About:MMA MMA Frenzy Sports