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Israel Adesanya slams critics for calling him ‘soft’ after promoting Sean Strickland title fight at UFC 293

Israel Adesanya snapped back at critics who have called him ‘soft’ amid reports that he will face Sean Strickland at UFC 293 instead of top-ranked contender Dricus Du Plessis.

‘Stillknocks’ earned himself an opportunity to challenge for the middleweight title with a stunning second-round knockout against Robert Whittaker at UFC 290 earlier this month. Unfortunately, Du Plessis will not be able to make the quick turnaround that Adesanya was demanding. As a result, ‘The Last Stylebender’ is promoting a UFC 293 title fight this September against outspoken division standout Sean Strickland.

READ MORE: Israel Adesanya previews Dricus du Plessis fight: 'I've never been more motivated to kill a man'

While the change in opponent isn’t necessarily Adesanya’s fault, as Du Plessis is currently nursing a foot injury, that didn’t stop fight fans from slamming the middleweight champ for being soft by choosing an opponent that doesn’t stand much of a chance in the eyes of the many.