Coming into UFC 305 this weekend, former middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has a much different approach and mindset. Once the fight had been announced the former champion took to his YouTube channel and explained that he’s no longer looking for belts and that he will be “coming for heads” moving forward.

That mindset, along with the bad blood between Adesanya and reigning champion Dricus Du Plessis could be all the makings of an epic performance from the former champ. It has been said throughout history that once a champion loses their belt and is on the pursuit back, it feels more freeing, and for Adesanya, who has not competed since losing the belt to Sean Strickland 11 months ago, is now also beyond rested and refreshed.

Those variables matter for someone who was as active and polarizing as Adesanya. The consistent hype behind each and every title fight he had, the expectations to put on a spectacular performance, and do it multiple times in one calendar year can weigh anyone down, nonetheless a champion of his caliber.

Israel Adesanya is now no longer responsible or attached to the middleweight title and that may very well unlock a new version of “The Last Stylebender” at UFC 305. One point that may be missed is the fact that Adesanya is not fueled by getting his former title back. Yes, a win over Du Plessis would be just back, but he’s now focused on stacking wins and respectable names to his resume.

No longer about the belt and all about himself and his performances, Israel Adesanya no longer needs the world title to define his legacy, he’ll continue to cement his legacy with the opponents he faces and the performances he puts on.

At UFC 305, Dricus Du Plessis will not only be looking to retain his title but also settle the bad blood between him and Adesanya, and putting another legend on his own resume. But Du Plessis will need to be aware that a free thinking Adesanya will be on the hunt, not to retain his title, but to end this rivalry and do so in impressive fashion.

For so long, Israel Adesanya has been a prime example of the kind of mega-star champion the UFC continues to build and did so in separating himself from the others with his displays in the Octagon, skills on the microphone, and activity unlike other champions.

Since entering the UFC in 2018, there has been no champion, or recognized superstar as active as Israel Adesanya so coming into UFC 305, his break was well earned and well deserved. He won’t be around forever and this chapter in his career appears to be for Adesanya himself as he continues to not just cement his status as an all-time great, but to cement his legacy in a way he wants to, fighting who he wants to, and focusing on what he chooses.

UFC 305 has the makings to be a remarkable and memorable night, and could also serve as a spotlight for what happens when Israel Adesanya has no pressure of chasing a title, and is only on a mission to hunt for heads.