Getty Image / Carmen Mandato
Israel Adesanya earned a massive win at UFC 287 after finally overcoming Alex Pereira in their fourth career matchup (second in UFC).
Now, it appears the middleweight champion has his eyes set on his next opponent. However, he keeps the name of that possible contender hidden.
Additionally, Adesanya makes it sound like he has his eyes set on one of the organization’s rising stars.
For that reason, UFC fans are left guessing who Israel Adesanya is talking about.
MMA Junkies share the clip of Adesanya calling out one of the UFC’s rising stars.
"I pray to God he keeps winning. I will gladly drag his carcass across South Africa."
Israel Adesanya had STRONG words for a UFC middleweight he wouldn't name. 😳
Full video: https://t.co/vTg1UmEty9 pic.twitter.com/DqrVqX0FaR
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) April 9, 2023
It could be several different fighters that Israel Adesanya is talking about here. UFC fans offer their best guesses.
Nah he’s not
— IG: @Vstylez (@Vstylez) April 9, 2023
Due to Adesanya mentioning South Africa, plenty of fans believe he’s calling out Dricus Du Plessis.
Imagine Israel Adesanya vs Dricus Du Plessis, in Africa 👀 pic.twitter.com/vy4QLo1oFL
— Kevin Thang (@Skip2MyJays) April 9, 2023
Bo Nickal is another popular guess.
I thought he was talking about Bo Nickal, but everyone in the comments is talking about Dricus?
Wasn't it Bo that said he could beat the champion of 185 "today" in some interviews?
I suppose Khamzat said the same thing.
Hmmm
— Fahros (@Fahros) April 9, 2023
Overall, it Du Plessis is the likely rising star Isreal Adesanya is calling out. Probably over his latest comments.
He said he the only real African fighter
— Aries Kang 3/21 ♈️🐏 (@Heavy_Hodgie) April 9, 2023
We’re likely a while away from Dricus Du Plessis from earning a title shot. With that said, we’re likely to see Adesanya take on somebody else who is already ranked within the top five.
Who that is, is yet to be determined. Hopefully, we get to see the middleweight champ defend his belt later this year.