Reigning middleweight champion Israel Adesanya is perhaps one of the most cerebral strikers to enter the UFC octagon. A former kickboxing champion in two weight classes, Israel Adesanya has worked with some of the most talented and vicious strikers in combat sports, looking to sharpen iron with iron.  

Recently, ‘Style bender’ took to Twitter to celebrate his former sparring partner and friend, David Nyika’s bronze medal victory in the 2020 summer Olympics. Although Nyika made it to the heavy-weight semi-finals. He came up short against the Russian Olympic Committee’s Muslim Gadzhimagomedov. 

A two-time Commonwealth gold medalist in boxing, David Nyika is a 26-year-old boxing phenom from New Zealand. The burgeoning heavyweight recently made his professional debut and shares a great relationship with Adesanya.

“Travel the world, fight for something bigger than yourself. Put it in your back or put it on your chest. As long as it means something to you. David Nyika just came back from Tokyo with a bronze medal,” tweeted Adesanya.  

In fact, ahead of his highly anticipated matchup with Anderson Silva at UFC 234, Adesanya put in a lot of work on his boxing with Nyika. Later, he gace the phenom credit for giving him fresh looks in the gym and forcing him to adapt to a superior level of boxing technique.

Over the years, Israel Adesanya has proven to be a consummate martial artist. The 32-year-old hasn’t let his accolades get to his head. A member of the City Kickboxing gym in New Zealand, Adesanya is always looking to help his teammates and values the idea of fierce loyalty.

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What’s next for Israel Adesanya?

Following a unanimous decision victory against Marvin Vettori at UFC 263, Israel Adesanya agreed to a rematch with Robert Whittaker. However, because of the strict lockdowns imposed in both New Zealand and Australia, the fight won’t be taking place until 2022.

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Meanwhile, Adesanya also seemed interested in taking on Darren Till, but considering his recent loss against Derek Brunson, a fight between the two won’t make much sense.

As of now, Adesanya is focusing on his eventual rematch with ‘The Reaper’. The 32-year-old will look to extend his championship reign in the division come fight night.

What do you think? Will Israel Adesanya win the rematch against Robert Whittaker? Let us know in the comments.

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