Ali Abdelaziz Reveals UFC’s Proposal for Israel Adesanya vs Kamaru Usman at 185, but Usman Turned It Down | Immediately After, Adesanya Mocked Usman with Ten Words that Instantly Provoked Him

The UFC’s matchmaking drama continues to unfold, with the latest twist in the saga involving middleweight champion Israel Adesanya and former welterweight king Kamaru Usman. Ali Abdelaziz, Usman’s longtime manager, recently revealed an intriguing offer from the UFC that could have seen Adesanya and Usman face off for the middleweight title at 185 pounds. However, much to the surprise of many, Usman turned down the fight. Following this revelation, Adesanya wasted no time in firing back with a mocking jab that immediately caught Usman’s attention and reignited the simmering tensions between the two.

The UFC’s Proposal: Adesanya vs Usman at 185 Pounds

In a recent interview, Ali Abdelaziz made a shocking revelation about a potential matchup that could have set the MMA world on fire. According to Abdelaziz, the UFC had been pushing for a fight between Israel Adesanya and Kamaru Usman at 185 pounds, a bout that would have been one of the most highly anticipated in recent years.

Adesanya, the reigning middleweight champion, has long been a dominant force in the division, while Usman, who was once considered one of the best welterweights in the world, has faced questions about his potential move up to middleweight. The UFC saw the opportunity to create a super fight between two of the most respected champions in the sport, with Adesanya defending his 185-pound title against Usman, who had previously dominated at 170 pounds.

However, despite the UFC’s interest in making this fight a reality, Abdelaziz revealed that Usman ultimately turned down the opportunity. According to the manager, Usman wasn’t keen on jumping up in weight to challenge for the middleweight title, citing the difficulty of the weight cut and his focus on recovering from injuries. Usman’s reluctance to take the fight left many fans and analysts questioning whether the matchup would ever come to fruition.

Adesanya’s Instant Response: Ten Words That Provoked Usman

As soon as the news of Usman turning down the fight reached the public, Israel Adesanya wasted no time in responding with a biting remark. The middleweight champion, never one to shy away from stirring the pot, took to social media to mock Usman with a succinct but powerful message:

“Not enough muscle to make 185, huh?” Adesanya wrote, followed by a series of laughing emojis.

It didn’t take long for Usman to notice Adesanya’s jab, and the former welterweight champion quickly fired back. The ten-word comment from Adesanya was enough to provoke Usman, who has always prided himself on his mental toughness and competitive spirit. Adesanya’s playful mockery seemed to hit a nerve, triggering an immediate response from Usman’s camp.

“I’ve been champion at 170 for years. I could easily do 185,” Usman reportedly said in response. “The real question is why Adesanya has to keep making these childish comments instead of fighting real challenges. It’s all talk.”

The Fallout: A Growing Rivalry

What started as a proposed super fight has now blossomed into a full-blown rivalry. Both fighters have long respected each other’s skills inside the octagon, but their recent exchanges seem to have added fuel to a fire that may eventually lead to an epic showdown.

Israel Adesanya’s quick-witted remark is just the latest example of his ability to get under the skin of his opponents, a tactic he has employed throughout his career. The New Zealand-born Nigerian has become famous for his psychological warfare, whether it’s poking fun at his opponents or making bold statements to get into their heads. Adesanya is a master of the mental game, and his comment about Usman’s muscle was another example of his ability to provoke a reaction.

On the other hand, Usman’s refusal to fight at 185 pounds for now has only fueled the narrative that he may be avoiding a risky challenge. While Usman has repeatedly stated that he would be willing to take on any challenge, his decision to turn down the fight with Adesanya at 185 has left many questioning his desire to move up in weight and test himself against a fighter of Adesanya’s caliber.

Could This Fight Happen in the Future?

While it remains to be seen whether Israel Adesanya and Kamaru Usman will eventually square off inside the octagon, the chances of this fight taking place in the future now seem more likely than ever. The bad blood between the two has only intensified with their recent exchanges, and if both fighters continue to dominate their respective divisions, a potential super fight between them could be a major draw for the UFC.

However, Usman’s hesitance to move up in weight may still stand as a significant barrier to making the fight happen anytime soon. For now, fans will have to settle for the verbal back-and-forth, wondering if this rivalry will ever come to fruition inside the cage. The UFC, for its part, has already shown interest in booking the fight, but the ball now appears to be in Usman’s court.

With both fighters already occupying the upper echelons of the UFC, a future clash between Israel Adesanya and Kamaru Usman at 185 pounds remains a tantalizing prospect. Whether it’s a matter of timing, weight concerns, or personal grudges, one thing is certain: the world is watching as these two champions continue to trade barbs in one of the sport’s most heated rivalries.