'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
#4. Israel Adesanya is the best striker in the UFC middleweight division
Israel Adesanya has proven to be the best striker in the UFC middleweight division. His switch-stance style along with his feints and lethal kickboxing makes him a dangerous opponent for any fighter in the division. With a striking accuracy of 50% and a striking defense of 62%, he is the best overall striker amongst the top five UFC middleweights.
Adesanya can also eat a punch as if it's nothing. He has been tagged by fighters like Robert Whittaker and Paulo Costa. But his counter punches have overwhelmed most of his opponents. 'Izzy' has also faced Jan Blachowicz, who is bigger than all UFC middleweights, and tasted the "Polish power" without any noticeable problems.
Israel Adesanya also has the ability to fight southpaw due to his switch-stance style. In a Facebook post, he revealed his skill while breaking down his footwork from a bout in 2016. He said:
"Yes I'm southpaw, and yes my opponent is circling the correct way in accordance with normal conventions when fighting a southpaw; he circles out and I cut off the cage but wait! As I move to the right, I turn conventional; it's subtle, and it's intended to be."
"Like every aspect of my game, the subtle step I use that turns me orthodox I practice & drill everyday! Now has my opponent processed the switch? He continues to circle left but I've switched right handed, now he's circling into my powerside, has my opponent processed this?"
#3. Israel Adesanya has already defeated almost every top-five UFC middleweight
UFC champions face enormous challenges during their careers, as there are many fighters who are tipped to beat them at various times. However, that is not the case with Israel Adesanya. 'The Last Stylebender' has defeated almost every top-five UFC middleweight during his time with the UFC.
Be it Robert Whittaker, Paulo Costa, Marvin Vettori or Derek Brunson, Israel Adesanya has beaten almost every top-five UFC middleweight. In fact, he has been part of a few formidable tussles with the likes of Kelvin Gastelum and Anderson Silva too.
There's little left to do for 'Izzy' in the UFC middleweight division. Perhaps. he needs a couple more face-offs against fighters he wants to take on. Wins against Jared Cannonier and Darren Till could be all Israel Adesanya needs to prove himself to be the best in his division.
