Israel Adesanya Refuses Trilogy Fight with Alex Poatan After UFC 300

Following a close watch on his rival Alex Poatan’s success at UFC 300, Israel Adesanya was categorical in stating that he has no intention of engaging in a trilogy fight with the Brazilian star in MMA. In an interview with ‘The MMA Hour,’ the former middleweight champion (up to 83.9 kg) explained that he sees no point in stepping into the octagon again with the light heavyweight star.

“Why would I fight? The score would be 3-2 (in Poatan’s favor). I feel like I only have a few more fights in my career. I don’t want to remain the same guy just to please some. I just wanted to prove to myself that I could beat him. I did. That’s why he’s trying to face me again. They need that. They need it. I don’t,” said Adesanya.

UFC stars Poatan and Adesanya began their rivalry in kickboxing. In that discipline, Alex came out on top twice, one of which included a hard knockout against the Nigerian.

In MMA, the Brazilian won the first encounter and also took Israel’s middleweight title in 2022. In an immediate rematch, ‘Izzy’ avenged the knockout suffered and reclaimed the throne.