Kamaru Usman Advises Adesanya After Saudi Loss: A Silva-Inspired Path Forward
Kamaru Usman, former UFC welterweight champion and close friend of Israel Adesanya, has urged the embattled middleweight star to recalibrate his career after a brutal knockout loss to Nassourdine Imavov at UFC Saudi Arabia. Speaking on his “Pound 4 Pound” podcast, Usman advised Adesanya to follow Anderson Silva’s late-career model: prioritize entertaining fights over title pursuits.
The loss marked Adesanya’s third consecutive defeat and fourth in five fights, dropping him to fourth in the UFC rankings. At 35, his future hangs in the balance—but Usman’s guidance offers a lifeline.
The Silva Blueprint: Choosing Fun Over Titles
Usman likened Adesanya’s situation to Silva’s post-championship phase. Silva, a former UFC middleweight king, shifted to high-profile “fun fights” against stylistically intriguing opponents like Israel Adesanya (in 2019) and Uriah Hall. Usman emphasized that Adesanya, despite his recent skid, retains sharpness and fan appeal.
“Izzy showed he can still fight. Take time, then pick a fight people want to see,” Usman said. The advice mirrors Silva’s strategy, which prolonged his relevance even after losing his title.
Adesanya’s Crossroads: Legacy vs. Uncertainty
Adesanya’s decline is stark. Once a dominant champion with five title defenses, he now faces questions about his longevity. UFC Hall of Famer Michael Bisping declared his “time at the top is done,” citing wear-and-tear from 15 years of combat sports.
Yet Adesanya’s legacy remains untarnished. His 2019-2023 reign included iconic wins over Alex Pereira and Robert Whittaker. “He’s a future Hall of Famer,” Bisping conceded, “but comebacks at this level are rare.”
Usman’s Four-Step Plan for Adesanya’s Resurgence
Step Back, Then Strategize
Usman urged Adesanya to take a hiatus until late 2025. The break would allow physical recovery and mental clarity. Adesanya himself hinted at this, vowing to “relax first, help teammates” before deciding his next move.
Prioritize Entertainment, Not Rankings
Silva’s late-career bouts against Adesanya and Daniel Cormier drew massive attention despite lacking title stakes. Usman wants Adesanya to replicate this: “Pick fights that excite fans, not just climb rankings.”
Leverage Star Power
Adesanya’s charisma—evident in viral walkouts and post-fight speeches—remains a selling point. Even in defeat, his star quality can anchor pay-per-view events. Potential matchups include a grudge rematch with Sean Strickland or a crossover bout with kickboxing rival Alex Pereira.
Evolve Beyond Striking
Critics argue Adesanya’s reliance on striking has grown predictable. Expanding his grappling arsenal, as Silva did late in his career, could reinvigorate his game. Training at City Kickboxing with teammates like Dan Hooker might offer fresh strategies.
The Road Ahead: Will Adesanya Listen?
Adesanya’s response to Usman’s advice remains unclear. Post-fight, he cryptically tweeted, “I’ll be back, gone to get some milk.” However, his coach Eugene Bareman hinted at a “reinvention phase,” suggesting openness to change.
Meanwhile, the middleweight division moves on. Champion Dricus du Plessis faces Sean Strickland at UFC 312, while Imavov eyes a title shot. For Adesanya, the path forward hinges on balancing pride with pragmatism.
Conclusion: A Legacy in Transition
Kamaru Usman’s advice to Israel Adesanya after the Saudi loss is more than tactical—it’s a plea for reinvention. By embracing Silva’s model, Adesanya can trade title pressures for creative freedom, ensuring his story ends on his terms. Whether he heeds this call will define the final chapter of a career already etched in MMA history.
