UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya is moving up to light-heavyweight to fight Jan Blachowicz – but can he step up a division?

Undefeated UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya will have the opportunity to become a two-weight world champion when he makes the step up to fight at light-heavyweight. 

After UFC Vegas 12 last weekend, UFC president Dana White confirmed the 31-year-old’s plans to challenge newly crowned light-heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz.  

This came as somewhat of a surprise to White, as the UFC believed Adesanya would face former champion Robert Whittaker in a rematch at middleweight, however it was revealed that the Australian wasn’t keen on the fight.  

White gave clarity on the situation during the post-fight press conference, as he said: ‘Whittaker comes out and says he doesn’t want to fight him. Craziest s*** I’ve ever seen.’  

He later added: ‘So there’s no arguing with Israel now. I thought Whittaker deserved the shot and Whittaker doesn’t want it so we’ll let him do it now.’ 

Speculation surrounding Adesanya’s move up in weight has been building for some time, considering his dominance of the middleweight division in recent times, as he still remains undefeated.  

Now seems to be the perfect time for the Nigerian-born New Zealand fighter to challenge himself at 205 lbs, with Blachowicz being a difficult first test.  

‘The Last Stylebender’ blasted Jon Jones in his attempt to bulk up and vowed to not make the same mistakes, claiming: ‘That’s Jon ‘Blow’ Jones downfall. 

‘Like, “I need to move up in weight, pack on size.” Some people are just stupid, they play the game so stupid.’

Adesanya’s comments also gave an insight for fans into how he will approach his debut at this weight-class, as he said: ‘I’ll just chill, I’ll stay me. I’m gonna get stronger, I always do, but I’m not gonna purposely put on muscle just so I can be at a weight class. Stupid.’

Undoubtedly, the 6ft 4in fighter has the frame to pack on extra muscle, however it appears that he would prefer to utilise the qualities he possesses at his current weight.  

Adesanya is renowned for his accurate striking ability, an attribute which has contributed to 15 knockout victories out of 20 fights in the UFC. 

For someone so tall, he also can be very elusive inside the octagon, as his long reach allows him to engage opponents from distance – leading him to have an impressively well-rounded fighting repertoire.   Fans will be hoping to see his skill-set in full flow as he prepares to take on Blachowicz to be crowned king of the light-heavyweights, which is currently scheduled for March.

By James Humphreys