Anyone who saw Israel Adesanya make quick work of Derek Brunson at UFC 230 knows that his shot up the rankings is anything but fortuitous. After dispatching the heavier Brunson in a convincing manner, the UFC matchmakers were left to ponder where to slot him in next. Well, it turns out Dana White and the UFC brass are convinced of his star power and are ready to push him as a main eventer.
On February 9th in Melbourne, Australia, Adesanya will face a legend in the flesh, and perhaps his closest comparative, the one and only Anderson Silva, who hasn't fought in the Octagon since defeating Adesanya very last opponent, Derek Brunson. What do you know!
The 185-pound contest will serve as the co-main event for alongside an all-important bout to determine the Middleweight crown. Robert Whittaker, who fights out of Australia, will be facing a strong test from Kelvin Gastelum, the Ultimate Fighter 17 champion.
Casual observers of the sport likely thought Silva had retired, when in fact he was actually serving a suspension he consented to in October 2017. After serving his time, Anderson Silva will certainly be motivated to prove that his winless run before the Brunson fight was a departure from the norm.
Who's your pick: Adesanya or a 43-year old Silva?