Ryan Gandra calls out Israel Adesanya: "Fight a big name like him"
After a sensational start in the UFC, the rising middleweight has his eyes on big challenges like Israel Adesanya.
Despite being a new name in the UFC, Ryan Gandra is already drawing attention. After participating in Dana White's Contender Series, where he defeated his opponent via a first-round knockout, the Brazilian signed with the promotion this year and has already delivered two impressive performances.
In less than five months, Gandra stepped into the Octagon twice and won both fights by first-round TKO. In fact, the Brazilian finished both opponents so quickly that his combined time inside the Octagon was under two minutes. Now, after this overwhelming start, Gandra is thinking big and has called out none other than Israel Adesanya.
Ryan Gandra Targeting Household Names at 185
Even though Gandra is not even ranked in the middleweight division, the Brazilian wants a big fight ahead of his next move in the promotion. The middleweight prospect believes his recent performances have earned him the opportunity to face a ranked opponent. Speaking to Ag Fight, Gandra didn't think twice before calling out Israel Adesanya.
"I want a ranked opponent. I want to move up the division," Gandra began. "We'll have to see what the UFC has in mind for me and how they view me. But I'm ready for any situation and any opponent. I'm ready to show what I can do. I want to fight as soon as possible. I've been finishing my fights quickly. I'm here to show what I can do—out of sight, out of mind. I don't know the location or date yet, but one name immediately came to mind: Israel Adesanya. I'm a fan of his work. He's someone I used to watch before I joined the UFC. If I dreamed of making it to the UFC and now I'm here, why not challenge him? He's a guy I'd really like to fight. I have nothing against him personally. It's just business. But I'd love to experience what it's like to fight a big name like him."
Israel Adesanya Reeling with Winless Streak
If on one hand Gandra is a rising prospect inside the division, Adesanya is going through the worst period of his career. After bouncing back against Alex Pereira in April 2023 and regaining the middleweight belt, the Nigerian's career went downhill.
Following the title fight against "Poatan", Adesanya has endured a bitter 0-4 record since, including two TKO losses and one submission defeat. So far, the Nigerian's future seems uncertain.
For Gandra, a fight against Adesanya would represent the biggest opportunity of his young UFC career. Whether the promotion decides to grant that request or not, the Brazilian has already made it clear he is aiming for the biggest names in the division.
