Was Israel Adesanya’s performance at UFC 305 damaged because of a leg injury, or is this just an excuse after losing to Dricus Du Plessis?
At UFC 305, the world-leading middleweight of UFC Israel Adesanya met his defeat in the career. In the most-anticipated comeback fight of Adesanya, the UFC Middleweight Champion Dricus Du Plessis defeated Adesanya in Perth, Australia on 17th August. Du Plessis had managed to submit him in the fourth round in order to retain his title. However, there is some speculation as to what may have factored into Adesanya’s performance, as the UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Alex Pereira alluded to an idea that Adesanya might have had a leg injury in this fight.
Speculation of Leg Injury
Alex Pereira Observations
Alex Pereira, himself a former opponent and current UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, called out Adesanya’s performance during UFC 305. Having already faced Adesanya four times in his professional career, he noticed that something was amiss from Adesanya’s general performance and the lack of his typical leg kicks. In a discussion on his YouTube channel, Pereira mentioned this, insinuating that Adesanya could have been nursing a leg injury.
According to Pereira, Adesanya’s kicks in the legs are an essential part of his game, which can give huge trouble to any kind of opponent. Without them in the fight with Du Plessis, the champion had an easier time. Pereira himself had quite big experience against Adesanya, claiming that when Adesanya is in the best shape, his kicks in the low leg can be really painful. The lack of the kicks in this fight against Du Plessis did not go unnoticed by Pereira, who added, perhaps an injury was center stage.
Impact on the Fight’s Outcome
Pereira’s comments have stirred debate among UFC fans and analysts alike with regard to how this injury might have taken effect concerning the result of the fight. For sure, low-leg kicks are among Adesanya’s most dangerous tools used usually to neutralize opponents by limiting their movement within the octagon. Not a single one of these kicks was thrown by Du Plessis to evade a critical portion of the weaponry in Adesanya’s arsenal and further gave him an edge. This comment by Pereira sparked questions as to whether Adesanya fought to the fullest of his capacity or if there was some sort of injury involved with his loss.
Reactions to Pereira’s Speculation by Adesanya
Possibility Acknowledged
Of course, off the record, Israel 
Adesanya would later give a slight indication that the rumor perhaps had some truth to it. He did not confirm the injury but his response did indicate he was impressed with Pereira’s analysis of his performance and the kind of injury he may have had. Both Adesanya and Pereira know each other quite well, studying each other not just through their fights in the MMA world but also kickboxing. Adesanya sensed the insight Pereira brought to the breakdown-a nod to the respect the two fighters share despite their competitive rivalry.
A Rivalry Forged Through Respect
There isn’t a more intriguing story in combat sports than the rivalry between Adesanya and Pereira. Having fought a combined four times-twice in kickboxing and twice in MMA-Pereira leads Adesanya 3-1. Setting them up to make the jump into MMA, where both fighters picked up a win against each other, going 1-1 in the UFC, was the fact that Pereira had beaten Adesanya twice in kickboxing. In competition, though, there seems to be an understood respect toward the capabilities of one another. It was found in the response from Adesanya when Pereira had spoken of his speculation over Adesanya’s injury, and it is felt between both fighters in regard to the expertise which each brings to the octagon.
The Aftermath of UFC 305
Looking Ahead: Adesanya’s Next Moves
With the dust beginning to settle from UFC 305, many questions remain as to which way Israel Adesanya may go from here. The loss to Du Plessis has raised some questions regarding what changes in approach Adesanya may have to consider to get himself back on track to becoming a feared competitor within the middleweight division once more. Whether or not an injury did indeed occur to hinder his performance, Adesanya is sure to revisit the fight in his head and reflect on how he might have done things differently that would have better positioned him for success moving forward. The rumors of a leg injury also raise questions about his health and recovery as fans and analysts alike speculate whether or not Adesanya will be taking some time to recover before getting back into the octagon.
Du Plessis: A Star on the Rise
With the win over Adesanya, Dricus Du Plessis secures his status as one of the most feared champions of the UFC Middleweight Division. Having beat a big-name opponent in Adesanya, Du Plessis has indeed got skill and grit. Later on, he shall face new challengers, but his winning at UFC 305 was the statement of his skills and perhaps to keep dominating the division.
Conclusion
The outcome of UFC 305 has kept the mixed martial arts world talking about possibilities and speculations. Alex Pereira, adding to the dramality of the situation, spoke to a possible leg injury of Israel Adesanya, which begs questions as to what factor led to this fight result. The possibility of an injury will be a point of interest for fans and analysts as Adesanya reflects on his performance in preparation for his next challenge. Whatever the circumstances, this fight at UFC 305 has added another chapter to the ongoing story that is Israel Adesanya’s career and one that continues to enamor the world of mixed martial arts.
To read more about the related article, click here
