Former UFC champion Israel Adesanya praised Chimaev after his lopsided unanimous decision victory over Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319, a performance that saw the Chechen-born star claim the belt with scorecards of 50-44 across the board.

Israel Adesanya nearly missed the best moment of UFC 319 because he was too busy yapping. The former two-time middleweight champion watched on from home as Khamzat Chimaev claimed his old title on Saturday night. Dricus du Plessis was mauled en route to a lopsided unanimous decision defeat at the United Center in Chicago.

Like most in the MMA world, Israel Adesanya hadn't expected Khamzat Chimaev to win a five-round war against Dricus du Plessis.

'The Last Stylebender' was thoroughly removed from the UFC middleweight title picture in February. Here, Nassourdine Imavov knocked out Adesanya with crisp boxing early in the second round. Now, gunning for his return, Adesanya targets rematches with Sean Strickland or Paulo Costa.

ISRAEL ADESANYA is champing at the bit to return to the cage – despite some vocal fight fans calling for him to retire. The former long-reigning UFC middleweight champion is currently on a