Israel Adesanya’s manager, Tim Simpson, has disclosed that the former middleweight champion is disheartened about missing an opportunity to compete on one of the most significant cards in UFC history.
Despite UFC 300 showcasing numerous current and former champions, Adesanya, a two-time middleweight titleholder, is notably absent from the lineup.
Adesanya had expressed interest in facing champion Dricus du Plessis, who, following a demanding five-round clash with Sean Strickland at UFC 297 in January, was unable to meet the Saturday, April 13 date.
Du Plessis himself acknowledged opting out of the fight against Adesanya at UFC 300, a decision that did not sit well with the Nigerian-born fighter, according to manager Simpson.
“Israel was very upset that he didn’t do it,” Simpson said of Adesanya on The MMA Hour.
“I believe Dricus was not ready. I think he had some sort of procedure after the last fight. Again, this is what’s been put publicly by Israel and (coach) Eugene (Bareman). But yeah, he really, really wanted it. He was upset, he wanted to be here and do it, he really, really wanted to do it. He loves big moments, the title fight coming back. I was texting (UFC executive) Hunter (Campbell) and couldn’t get it done on Dricus’ side, but Izzy was ready to go.”
Simpson maintains his belief that Adesanya can secure a title bout against du Plessis on the upcoming UFC 305 event scheduled for August 17 in Perth, Australia.
Following a self-imposed break after a defeat to Strickland last September that resulted in the loss of his middleweight title, Adesanya is being backed by Simpson to swiftly re-enter the title contention scene.
