DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla. – Phil Hawes thinks we might get a new look from Israel Adesanya.
The UFC middleweight contender thinks Adesanya, who’s arguably the best striker in MMA, might show some wrestling in his upcoming title defense against Alex Pereira in the main event of UFC 281 on Nov. 12.
Adesanya and Pereira have fought twice before, but in kickboxing, not MMA. Adesanya lost both – one by decision and the other by knockout. That’s why Hawes (12-3 MMA, 4-1 UFC) wouldn’t be surprised if we see a grappling-based approach from the champion.
“I feel like we may see a new champion, but I feel like Izzy is crazy enough to shoot a double,” Hawes told MMA Junkie. “He’s been in MMA longer than Pereira and I think he’s an entertainer, so he might pull out something crazy, shoot some doubles …
“I think in a couple of fights, he tried to do a triangle, so he has some grappling experience – probably more than Pereira. Pereira is tough, though. We’ll see. I’ll be tuning in.”
Hawes returns to the cage Oct. 29 to face Roman Dolidze at UFC Fight Night 213. He’s coming off a TKO win over Deron Winn in June and is ready to build momentum toward a title run.
The 33-year-old expects to be fighting for gold in 2023 if all goes according to plan.
“(I’ll be a) 2023 UFC champ,” Hawes said. “It’s on my window. It’s on my wall. It’s everywhere I be, everywhere I’m at: UFC champion in 2023. Let’s do it.”
