Israel Adesanya wants to headline UFC 300
Israel Adesanya has put his name in consideration to be the headline UFC 300. The UFC middleweight champion is already proposing ideas for the historic card.
Adesanya discussed his desire to headline UFC 300 at UFC 293 media day. All quotes via TheScore.
“I’d love to headline that,” Adesanya said at UFC 293 media day on Wednesday.
“I’ve watched UFC 100, that was Brock Lesnar versus Frank Mir. UFC 200, that was (Miesha Tate versus Amanda Nunes). I’ve been a fan of the sport for a long time. UFC 300, I’m going to touch that, because I know I’m not going to hit UFC 400. I’m definitely going to hit UFC 300. That’s one I’m going to be a part of.”
UFC 300 will require a massive star in the main event. Adesanya, one of the biggest stars in the sports, qualifies. After his knockout of Alex Pereira at UFC 287, his stardom is at an all-time high.
Despite being a massive star, Adesanya understands there will be competition to earn the main event position.
“I’m sure there’s other people, as well,” Adesanya said. “Conor (McGregor) will probably try and jump in there because he’s a superstar and he just gets whatever he wants. Yeah, we’ll see.”
Adesanya is ahead of the curve on UFC 300. At this point, he calling his shot fairly early.
UFC 300 is expected to take place around April 2024. That could shift a month or two depending on the UFC schedule, but it will take place early in the next year. That gives Adesanya a chance to recover from his UFC 293 bout and prepare for another main event.
Adesanya will have several solid options for an opponent. The two most likely names are Dricus Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev. Du Plessis has likely earned a title after his win over Robert Whittaker. The rivalry between Adesanya and Du Plessis will help that come to fruition.
As for Chimaev, he is scheduled to fight Paulo Costa at UFC 294. A win could earn the rising star a title fight. Lastly, Adensaya has stated he would only complete the Pereira trilogy at light heavyweight. If Pereira wins the light heavyweight title, Adesanya could chase double champ status at UFC 300.
Regardless of all the potential opponents, Adesanya will need to defeat Sean Strickland at UFC 293 if he wants to be UFC 300 main event.
Adesanya also made it clear that he would like UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski to fight at UFC 300.
“I’ll co-headline for Alex Volkanovski,” Adesanya said. “That’s my dog. If he doesn’t fight, then I’ll headline it.“
A UFC event with an Adesanya main event and Volkanovski co-main event would create an outstanding card. That would certainly provide fans with an outstanding event for UFC 300.
***
CLICK HERE for more of our UFC/MMA content
Check out the Vendetta Shop
Subscribe to Vendetta’s YouTube
