Israel Adesanya could face match-up with UFC Saudi Arabia co-main event star after Imavov showdown
Yesterday at 02:01 PM
Israel Adesanya is prepared for a massive fight on Saturday night at UFC Saudi Arabia against Nassourdine Imavov.
But while the former King of the 185-pound division will undoubtedly be focused on the task at hand, he already has another potential foe waiting in the wings, desperate to take him on.
The co-main features a tremendous clash between Michael ‘Venom’ Page and Shara ‘Bullet’ Nurmagomedov, with one of these two men recently expressing an interest in a showdown with ‘The Last Style Bender’.
Therefore, if both men get through their contests at the weekend, then UFC fans could get treated to a fascinating match-up.
Shara Bullet wants to fight Israel Adesanya
Shara Bullet is quickly rising up the welterweight rankings, with the Russian cementing his status as one of the most dangerous fighters on the planet, recently knocking out Armen Petrosyan with a terrifying double-spinning back fist.
The Dagestani’s story is resonating with fans, with the fighter who’s blind in one eye, serving as an inspiration to visually-impaired athletes around the globe, with Bullet moving fans by opening up about his vision to Michael Bisping.
Now, the popular mixed martial artist is ready for the biggest contest of his career against Michael ‘Venom’ Page. But while he’s prepared for an absolute war, he’s already thinking about the next step.
In an interview with Shak MMA, he explained: “Yes, I’m going for the win, and then I’m going to call out Marvin Vettori and Israel Adesanya.
“These two call-outs make sense because Adesnaya is a great striker and Vettori is a great wrestler. He is a gladiator from Italy, and I want to show that against him, my wrestling isn’t bad at all.”
Of course, a collision with the former UFC champion certainly wouldn’t be an easy challenge, with the Nigerian-New Zealander undeniably one of the greatest strikers the sport has ever seen. After all, Adesanya is a man who once rearranged an opponent’s face.
However, having lost his previous two fights to Sean Strickland and Dricus Du Plessis, contenders are now beginning to believe that overcoming the threat the former Glory kickboxer presents is a more realistic possibility.
Israel Adesanya's responds to Shara 'Bullet' Magomedov fight callout
While Adesanya might not be the force he once was, he’s certainly not one to ever back down from a challenge.
This isn’t the first time, Bullet has made it abundantly clear that he wants to share the octagon with the former UFC middleweight world champion.
In the aftermath of his victory at UFC 308, the 30-year-old told Daniel Cormier: "I am smash Israel Adesanya. Stay in your seats, this island was captured by ‘The Pirate’ [his fight nickname], don't panic. Dana White, I came for my gold!"
Of course, the victorious fighter didn’t have long to wait to hear back, with Adesanya giving Bullet a Will Smith-inspired response.
