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Daniel Cormier explains why UFC 305 is a must-win fight for Israel Adesanya's career

Despite just suffering a loss and not having fought for a full year, Israel Adesanya remains the slight favorite over champion Dricus Du Plessis in a fight that the New Zealander must win, according to former double champion Daniel Cormier.

Although any UFC title fight can be considered a must-win fight due to the incredible benefits that come with owning a belt, Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier argues that this weekend's fight with the South African could be pivotal for Israel Adesanya's fighting career.

Israel Adesanya of Nigeria reacts after knocking out Alex Pereira of Brazil in their UFC middleweight championship bout during the UFC 287 event at ...
Photo by Cooper Neill/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Daniel Cormier sees UFC 305 as a must-win fight for Israel Adesanya

Just turned 35.th birthday and with UFC 305 representing his 12th.th Although Israel Adesanya has not been able to fight a title fight in a row, it has been claimed in recent weeks that he is running out of motivation for the big fights.

Speaking to Submission Radio, former UFC light heavyweight and heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier explained how “vital” it is that “Stylebender” emerges from this weekend’s fight with the belt over his shoulder.

“I think Izzy has to win, man; he has to win this fight because I don't know what the career looks like for a guy like Israel Adesanya if he's not involved in the title reign.

“Motivation is a tricky thing, especially for a guy who seemingly has everything, all the money, all the titles, he's famous, he has everything.”

Cormier stated that he doesn't expect “Stylebender” to ever enjoy playing a supporting role at a PPV if he loses this weekend and is forced to fight his way up the division again.

“It's easier to get back up and fight for the championship than to say, 'I'm just going to fight at a PPV and maybe be the co-main event.' I don't know if that's still in Izzy's cards.

“I think it's about titles, and if it's not titles, then it's about getting back to titles. But I don't know if he has what it takes, and I don't know if he necessarily needs to because he's already achieved so much.”

If the crowd in the RAC Arena hears “And New” on Saturday night, Dana White has already announced that former middleweight champion Sean Strickland is the next contender for the title.

“It is crucial that he wins on Saturday,” concluded the former champion.

Dricus Du Plessis predicts third-round KO victory 'And Still'

Just hours after meeting with Submission Radio, Cormier also spoke with the man who will face Adesanya at the RAC Arena in Perth: South African slugger Dricus Du Plessis (21-2).

While Adesanya fought with blistering intensity throughout fight week, Du Plessis was arguably the quieter of the two athletes – although “Stillknocks” is ready to set the mood when the cage doors are closed behind them on Saturday night.

“I'm not emotional about it at all, this is a different fight – if Israel Adesanya had to pull out of this fight, I would be the same if I was fighting anyone else… That's what it's about, leaving emotions out of it.”

So how does DDP predict that the fight will actually turn out?

“I beat Izzy in the third round, that's what I'm saying… I know he said he's coming to finish in the first round, so I mean, if that's the case, I think we're playing right into my box – I'll be ready for that.”

The fight between Israel Adesanya and Dricus Du Plessis will be broadcast live from Perth, Western Australia this weekend.

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