Rising Kiwi MMA star Israel Adesanya is taking an opportunity to inject himself into title talks with UFC President Dana White after flying to Sydney to meet with him today.
The middleweight prospect is riding a four-win streak in the UFC after his emphatic first round knockout win over Derek Brunson and wants to use that momentum to set up a possible title fight with Australian champion Robert Whittaker.
White told the Daily Telegraph Adesanya was so keen on the trans-Tasman clash, he's using a small window today to make his pitch.
"When he read that I was flying [to Sydney] this week, he said he wanted to come across and talk, and that's awesome," White said.
"That's why he's flying in here, Israel wants to meet with me and talk."
The undeafeated middleweight fighter takes on Brad Tavares in the main event of UFC - TUF 27.
White said should Whittaker defend his title against Kelvin Gastelum in Melbourne in February, it's "very possible" the fight could go ahead.
He also mentioned Adesanya is "likely" to be on standby for the February fight should Whittaker or Gastelum succumb to injury.
He added it would make sense to also stage the fight on this side of the world.
"In fact, if these two guys fight, it's something I would really look at doing in a stadium here."
White has praised Adesanya's rapid rise in the UFC but he said the Aucklander could get even bigger.
"Israel is one of those guys who, if he can deliver, if he can win a world title, he will be incredibly famous," White said.
"I love everything about him. The way he talks, the way he fights ... and the kid wants to fight every month."
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