Israel Adesanya is all set to defend his Middleweight title against Marvin Vettori on June 12 at UFC 263. However, ‘The Italian Dream’ has to consider himself lucky as he was not supposed to be the number one contender for the belt. Robert Whittaker was in contention ahead of the Italian to face Israel Adesanya at UFC 263. But Bobby Knuckles had to decline this opportunity because he felt that he had very little time to prepare for the fight due to covid protocols.
Read More: Who Are the Coaches and Training Partners of UFC Middleweight Marvin Vettori?
On the other hand, Eugene Bareman reveals in a conversation with Submission Radio, “I’m just having fun. Robert can do whatever he wants. For the first time in my life, I had fun trolling people. I understand why Israel does it so often. I understand Robert Whittaker’s reasons for not taking the fight.”
Eugene Bareman started this whole prank while speaking to Combat TV, where he criticized Whittaker’s decision to turn down the title shot. He also claimed that Robert Whittaker will have to earn his opportunity all over again. The Middleweight Champion also joined in the troll job after he commented that Bobby Knuckles is down the pecking order along with other contenders at 185 lbs after declining the fight.
Eugene Bareman addresses the next opponent for Israel Adesanya
There was a lot of animosity between the two fighters in the build-up of their first match. In addition to that Marvin Vettori was talking a lot of trash about Israel Adesanya in the first fight. However ‘The Last Stylebender’ had the last laugh as he defeated The Italian Dream via decision in a close fight.
Read More: Robbery? Looking Back at the Controversial Decision During Israel Adesanya vs Marvin Vettori
Ever since that loss, Marvin Vettori has racked up wins over his resume and finally gets his chance to avenge his loss against the Middleweight Champion in a rematch. Israel Adesanya Vs Marvin Vettori 2 was supposed to create a lot of hype amongst fans because of their epic battle in the first encounter. But to everyone’s surprise, both the fighters have not engaged much in promoting the fight.
In conversation with Submission Radio, Eugene Bareman confessed that “I just think that he’s emotionally a more mature young man than he was when he fought Israel the first time.” Adesanya’s coach also thinks that mind games won’t play a big part in this rematch.
However, both the fighters have developed a lot since their first face-off. Israel’s looking very sharp and has also improved on his takedown defense. While Marvin Vettori has improved his grappling skills since their last fight. The video of Israel’s fight camp will be provided below.
Therefore both the fighters will have a point to prove as Israel Adesanya has been criticized to have no takedown defense after his loss to Jan Blachowicz whereas Marvin Vettori has a golden opportunity to win the Middleweight belt.
