Imago
Nov 28, 2020; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Snoop Dogg performs before a heavyweight exhibition boxing bout for the WBC Frontline Belt between Mike Tyson and Roy Jones, Jr in Los Angeles. Mandatory Credit: Joe Scarnici/Handout Photo via USA TODAY Sports
Imago
Nov 28, 2020; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Snoop Dogg performs before a heavyweight exhibition boxing bout for the WBC Frontline Belt between Mike Tyson and Roy Jones, Jr in Los Angeles. Mandatory Credit: Joe Scarnici/Handout Photo via USA TODAY Sports
Israel Adesanya is breaking the imaginary line between MMA fighter and entertainment superstar as his career progresses. The natural charisma that Adesanya has made him extremely popular even outside MMA. He has been booking national commercials for a major sports brand and even crossed over into boxing.
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While Conor McGregor‘s idea of crossing over into boxing is getting in the ring, Adesanya did it differently. He was on the commentary booth alongside Snoop Dogg for Mike Tyson vs Roy Jones Jr. last November. He spoke about how it felt to meet Snoop Dogg and commentate with him; he also revealed that he smoked weed with Snoop backstage at STAPLES Center.
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“That was definitely an experience. It was one of the things, I guess, off the bucket list. Getting to hand with Snoop Dogg, hit that cheepa-cheepa backstage. At the Staples Center of all places. Can’t get more LA than that.”
Izzy is scheduled to return to the Octagon this weekend when he will try to become champ-champ by winning the light heavyweight championship against incumbent Jan Blachowicz.
Israel Adesanya: A full-fledged mainstream star?
Israel Adesanya is very much on the Conor McGregor path to super-stardom. While nobody can replicate what Conor did, Izzy is doing his own version of it. He has become one of the most exciting fighters in the UFC, with fans from all over the world. He has been dominant his entire career and is still undefeated three title defenses into his reign.
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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – OCTOBER 06: Israel Adesanya makes his way to the Octagon for the Middleweight title bout during UFC 243 at Marvel Stadium on October 06, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)
However, we have seen many dominant champions come and go, and not all of them have become major mainstream stars. Chuck Liddell was one of the first fighters to break through that mold, and many have followed. It seems like Adesanya is the next super popular UFC star that helps spread the name of the promotion amongst casual fans.
The relatability and likability that Izzy has helps his popularity. However, it is all based on his success in the cage. If Adesanya beats Blachowicz this weekend, and becomes champ-champ, it will open up the doors for his popularity to explode.
The future is bright for the middleweight champion if his career continues on this path.
