Michael "Venom" Page recently offered his insights into the highly anticipated middleweight title showdown between Dricus Du Plessis and Israel Adesanya at UFC 305, suggesting that the fight could end with a spectacular head kick knockout.
"Stillknocks" is set to defend his championship for the first time in a grudge match against Adesanya in the headline bout of the upcoming pay-per-view event, scheduled for this weekend at the RAC Arena in Perth, Western Australia.
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The two fighters were initially expected to square off last September following their dramatic face-off at UFC 290 in July 2023, yet destiny had other plans when an untimely injury derailed Du Plessis. During that time, “The Last Stylebender” faced a surprising setback, losing the middleweight title to Sean Strickland at UFC 293.
In the wake of his defeat, Adesanya announced that he would be taking a hiatus to prioritize his mental well-being and recalibrate his career. Meanwhile, the South African power puncher made a triumphant return, narrowly defeating Strickland by a split decision to seize the 185-pound title at UFC 297.
Despite returning from a loss and a year-long break, Adesanya still stands as the odds-on favorite against Du Plessis. The Nigerian-born Kiwi is hailed as one of the most formidable middleweight champions in UFC history, with five successful title defenses under his belt. His reign of dominance is credited to his intricate fighting style, a puzzle that many opponents struggle to solve, combined with his remarkable ability to land potent strikes while maintaining flawless control of range.
A virtuoso of unconventional striking techniques himself, Page has a deep understanding of just how lethal 'The Last Stylebender' can be on his feet against Du Plessis…
During a recent UFC 305 prediction video on his YouTube channel, "Venom" offered his thoughts on the looming clash between Du Plessis and Adesanya. Page threw his support behind the former middleweight champion, suggesting that Adesanya's time away from the octagon has likely reignited his hunger and determination.
The middleweight division is just crazy right now with its constant handovers when it comes to the belt, but I do think the king is about to return to his throne," Page said. "There's a different level of focus right now when it comes to Izzy after he had a little back and forth with [Alex] Pereira, got his one back. That was unbelievable because he put so much mental strength into that. He kind of just wasn't in the same mindset after that; he kind of relaxed a bit too much and then obviously lost the belt. Now he's back after giving himself some time to just, I guess, get that motivation again.
The Englishman further added that he anticipates a striking clinic from Izzy, one that will expertly neutralize the grappling and takedown threats posed by "Stillknocks".
I do think we're going to see the old school Izzy. Dricus is going to want to grab him and take him down to the floor. I think he's [Adesanya] going to struggle initially to try and find the timing, but then when he starts getting plugged, it's going to be a bit of a desperate takedown, which he may get, but I see Izzy standing straight back up on him and then just getting to work on his hands until I think he just gets demoralized. My boy is going to find a way to land. I could even see a head kick coming or a big punch that's going to rock him and take him out of the fight.
Adesanya stands on the brink of history. If he secures a victory on August 17, he will join the exclusive ranks of the legendary Randy Couture by claiming an undisputed UFC title for the third time in a division. This monumental achievement would firmly establish his place among the greatest icons in MMA history.
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