Adesanya Vs DC: Highlights Of A Dream Fight That Never Happened

Hey MMA fans! Have you ever wondered what would happen if Israel "The Last Stylebender" Adesanya, the slick and dynamic middleweight king, went head-to-head with Daniel "DC" Cormier, the former heavyweight and light heavyweight champion? It's a dream matchup that, sadly, never materialized, but that doesn't stop us from imagining the epic clash of styles and skills it would have been. Let's dive into why this fight was so intriguing and explore some hypothetical highlights!

Why This Fight Was So Hyped (Even Hypothetically!)

Okay, guys, let’s be real. The idea of Israel Adesanya, with his razor-sharp striking and unpredictable movement, facing off against Daniel Cormier, the wrestling powerhouse with heavy hands and an unbreakable will, is the kind of matchup that fight fans drool over. Adesanya's rise to stardom was meteoric, captivating audiences with his creative striking, flamboyant personality, and dominant performances in the middleweight division. On the other hand, Cormier had already cemented his legacy as one of the greatest of all time, conquering both the light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions with his smothering grappling and powerful ground-and-pound. The contrast in their styles is what made this hypothetical fight so compelling.

Imagine Adesanya trying to keep Cormier at bay with his kicks and feints, while DC relentlessly pursues the takedown, looking to bring the fight to the ground where he could unleash his devastating top game. The striking battle would have been a chess match, with Adesanya using his superior footwork and diverse striking arsenal to try and pick apart Cormier from a distance. Cormier, known for his dirty boxing and clinch work, would have looked to close the distance and nullify Adesanya's striking advantage. The grappling exchanges would have been equally fascinating, with Adesanya's improved takedown defense being tested against Cormier's world-class wrestling. Would Adesanya be able to keep the fight standing and utilize his striking, or would Cormier be able to impose his will and dominate on the ground? These are the questions that fueled the hype surrounding this potential superfight.

Furthermore, the clash of personalities would have been just as entertaining as the fight itself. Adesanya is known for his confidence, swagger, and willingness to engage in trash talk, while Cormier is a respected veteran with a strong sense of sportsmanship and a gift for commentary. The pre-fight build-up would have been filled with verbal jabs, mind games, and genuine respect between two of the sport's biggest stars. While it remained a dream fight, the potential for an epic showdown was undeniable.

Hypothetical Highlights: How the Fight Could Have Played Out

Alright, let's get into the fun part – imagining the highlights! Remember, this is all hypothetical, but that's what makes it so exciting. Think about these potential scenarios:

• Round 1: Adesanya's Striking Showcase: The fight starts with Adesanya bouncing on the outside, using his footwork and feints to keep Cormier guessing. He lands a crisp jab and a snapping leg kick, establishing his range and dictating the pace. Cormier tries to close the distance, but Adesanya uses his lateral movement to evade the takedown attempts. The round ends with Adesanya landing a beautiful counter right hand that stuns Cormier momentarily.
• Round 2: DC's Wrestling Prowess: Cormier comes out with a renewed sense of urgency, backing Adesanya towards the cage. He shoots for a double-leg takedown and, after a brief struggle, manages to get Adesanya to the ground. Cormier begins to work his ground-and-pound, landing short, powerful punches and elbows. Adesanya tries to scramble back to his feet, but Cormier maintains top control, smothering him with his weight and pressure. The round ends with Cormier in a dominant position, having neutralized Adesanya's striking.
• Round 3: A Stand-Up War: Adesanya, knowing he needs to regain momentum, starts to open up his striking. He lands a series of kicks to Cormier's lead leg, slowing him down and compromising his movement. Cormier answers with powerful overhand rights, trying to close the distance and land a knockout blow. The two fighters exchange heavy punches in the center of the cage, with both men landing significant shots. The round ends with both fighters showing signs of damage, but neither willing to back down.
• Round 4: The Clinch Battle: Cormier, sensing that Adesanya is tiring, initiates a clinch against the cage. He uses his strength and leverage to control Adesanya, landing short knees and dirty boxing. Adesanya tries to create space and break free, but Cormier is relentless in his pursuit. The referee warns the fighters for inactivity, but Cormier continues to grind Adesanya down against the cage. The round ends with Cormier having sapped Adesanya's energy and stifled his striking.
• Round 5: A Dramatic Finish? The final round could go either way! Maybe Adesanya lands a flash knockout with a perfectly timed head kick, silencing the doubters and cementing his status as a true pound-for-pound great. Or perhaps Cormier secures a late takedown and finishes the fight with ground-and-pound, proving that wrestling is still a dominant force in MMA. Of course, the fight could also go to a decision, with the judges having a difficult time scoring the close rounds.

These are just a few possible scenarios, of course. The beauty of MMA is that anything can happen! The dynamic striking of Adesanya, the wrestling and grappling of Cormier, and the unpredictability of the sport would have created an epic encounter that fans would have talked about for years to come.

Why It Never Happened

So, why didn't this dream fight ever become a reality? Several factors played a role. First, there was the weight class difference. Adesanya is a natural middleweight, while Cormier competed primarily at light heavyweight and heavyweight. While Cormier could have theoretically cut down to middleweight, it would have been a significant weight cut that could have potentially compromised his performance. Second, there was the timing. Adesanya was focused on defending his middleweight title and establishing his dominance in that division, while Cormier was nearing the end of his career and focused on legacy fights at heavyweight. Their paths simply never aligned at the right time.

Lastly, there were logistical challenges. Negotiating a fight between two of the sport's biggest stars can be a complex process, involving multiple parties and competing interests. Getting everyone on the same page and agreeing to terms can be difficult, especially when dealing with high-profile athletes with significant earning potential. While the fight never materialized, the possibility of it happening kept fans dreaming and debating for years.

The Legacy of What Could Have Been

Even though we never got to see Israel Adesanya and Daniel Cormier lock horns in the octagon, the dream matchup remains a fascinating