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Monday, Feb 03, 2025

Michael Bisping Believes Israel Adesanya’s “Time at The Top is Done”

Israel Adesanya (image via UFC / YouTube)

By FCF Staff

Israel Adesanya was handed his third straight defeat at UFC Saudi Arabia, Saturday, and Michael Bisping believes the star’s days at the top of the middleweight division have come to an end.

Adesanya faced Nassourdine Imavov in the card’s headliner, and was finished by a flurry of the surging fighter’s punches in round two. Heading into the contest, the 35-year-old Adesanya was coming off a submission loss to Dricus Du Plessis and a decision defeat to Sean Strickland.

During the post-fight broadcast, Bisping acknowledged Adesanya’s remarkable legacy, but argued the championship chapter of his career has come to a close (quotes via MMA Fighting.com).

“The biggest takeaway is that it’s over,” Bisping said. “Israel Adesanya’s reign as champion, I don’t think will come again.

“I say that with the greatest of respect and I truly mean that. An original. An incredible fighter. A legend of the sport. A future Hall of Famer. But his time at the top is done.”

Following the loss, Adesanya (24-5) said he was going to take some time to decide his next steps. The UFC Saudi Arabia fight marked the first time since 2019 that he was not competing in a championship fight.

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posted by FCF Staff @ 9:54 am
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