It’s been over a year since fans last heard from Yordenis Ugas. The former (Super) Welterweight champion sent shockwaves across the boxing world with his win over Manny Pacquiao. However, Errol Spence Jr. stopped him eight months later, on April 16 last year, with a tenth-round knockout. As he plans a comeback, the 37-year-old Cuban-born boxer took motivation from one of the most iconic moments in combat sports history: Israel Adesanya‘s golden words when he finally defeated archrival Alex Pereira to become a champion again. ‘The Last Stylebender’ returns to defend his belt and Ugas tries reliving those moments.

So ’54 Milagros’ took to his X account and called Israel Adesanya a winner among life’s inspiring champions. Ugas explained that the latter lost two fights to Alex Pereira. Later in the UFC, he lost his title to Pereira last year by knockout. Soon after the fight, during an interview, Adesanya said that he would fight ‘Poatan’ again. And true to his words, he returned and delivered a smashing defeat to the Brazilian fighter. Finally, Adesanya lavished those memorable words.

For Yordenis Ugas, Israel Adesanya is a role model

So, Israel Adesanya took the mic from Joe Rogan after knocking out Alex Pereira in Miami this April. He said, “Earth, I hope every one of you behind your screens or in this arena can feel this level of happiness. Just one time in your life. You will never feel this level of happiness if you don’t go for something in your own life. When they knock you down, when they try and s**t on you, when they talk s**t about you, and when they try and put their foot on your neck, if you stay down, you will never ever get that resolve. Fortify your mind and feel this level of happiness one time in your life…”

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Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira share history. The two fought as professional kickboxers and followed up their rivalry in the UFC. Of the four occasions when their paths crossed, the Brazilian won three—both the kickboxing engagements and the first meet during UFC 281, when he met Adesanya for the Middleweight championship. But finally, ‘The Last Stylebender’ turned the tables on ‘Poatan.’ But what he said afterward added charisma to the victory and captivated the hearts of millions.

In March this year, the WBC instructed Yordenis Ugas to prepare to fight against former champion Mario Barrios. The two will duke it out for the (Interim) Welterweight title on September 30 at the T-Mobile Arena. Adesanya will be back in the octagon on Sunday to defend his title against Sean Strickland in UFC 293.

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Do you also find Adesanya’s words inspiring? Which is your go-to speech for inspiration? Please share your thoughts and views with us in the comments below.

Watch This Story: Event Recap: Best Highlights From Manny Pacquiao vs. Yordenis Ugas