In the world of mixed martial arts, thrilling bouts are at the heart of fans’ and fighters’ interest. But for American fighter Kevin Holland, the idea of fighting one of the most prominent names in the UFC, Israel Adesanya, no longer holds appeal.
During a press conference for UFC 307, Holland explained why he is not interested in facing Adesanya, who was previously one of the most dominant and entertaining champions in the organization.
Holland stated: “It was exciting to face him when he was champion. Now he’s just a guy who can’t stop backing up, playing defense, and throwing kicks all night long. That’s an extremely boring style. I’d rather fight Paulo Costa because at least when he fights, he really fights.”
Adesanya Losing His Luster?
In recent years, Israel Adesanya was regarded as one of the most entertaining fighters in the UFC. His offensive style and agility made him a global star, but recent losses have started to impact his reputation in the fighting community. Adesanya has suffered two consecutive defeats, the latest being a submission loss to Dricus Du Plessis in the fourth round.
These consecutive losses have made Adesanya lose his appeal in the eyes of many fighters, who now see him as less dangerous than he used to be. Kevin Holland, who is preparing to face Roman Dolidze at UFC 307, noted that he no longer sees Adesanya as an attractive opponent. Holland, ranked 15th in the middleweight division, is looking for a more challenging and exciting fight, considering Paulo Costa as a better option.
Will Holland Land a Bigger Fight?
Holland’s stance may seem surprising, especially given Adesanya’s ranking in the middleweight division.
But Holland believes that fighting a competitor who focuses on offense and real fighting is what interests him now.
However, Holland may need to reconsider, especially if he wins at UFC 307 and rises into the top ten rankings. Ultimately, Adesanya, despite the criticisms, remains a formidable opponent who can provide any fighter with a chance to achieve a significant victory in their career.
Conclusion:
As Kevin Holland gears up for his highly anticipated fight at UFC 307, he appears uninterested in facing Israel Adesanya, whom he finds boring.
It's going to be a fun one with these middleweights! 🙌@RomanDolidze versus @Trailblaze2Top has fireworks written all over! #UFC307 pic.twitter.com/gOaynPI3JW
— UFC_Asia (@UFC_Asia) October 3, 2024
Holland prefers to fight Paulo Costa, reflecting a shift in fighters’ perceptions of Adesanya following his recent defeats. The question now remains: Will Adesanya be able to reclaim his championship status, or is his time in the UFC fading?
