On Saturday, everyone stood up and took notice as Israel Adesanya dominated his UFC bout in Miami. Athletes all around the globe were mightily impressed by Adesanya’s performance, including many NBA stars who congratulated him after the fight. In the process, Adesanya got back at his naysayers, including a young boy, for their comments and actions in the buildup to the bout. The 33-year-old MMA fighter took some pages out of the book of Michael Jordan to celebrate the 24th win of his UFC career.

On Saturday, Adesanya faced his long-time rival Alex Pereira for the UFC Middleweight Championship in the main card of UFC 287. Although Adesanya comfortably knocked out Pereira in the second round, the road to the 33-year-old’s triumph wasn’t easy, which included getting mocked by Pereira’s kid.

Israel Adesanya took inspiration from Michael Jordan

In the four bouts against Pereira, Adesanya has a record of 1-3. Adesanya’s last three bouts against the Brazilian ended in humiliating defeats, including him laying flat at the end of their second kickboxing bout in 2017. Following Adesanya’s knockout against Pereira in Glory of Heroes 7 in 2017, Pereira’s son got into the ring and imitated The Last Stylebender’s knockout fall. 

Years later, Adesanya made sure to get back at the Brazilian’s young kid. He reenacted Pereira’s Knockout fall in front of his kid on Saturday to complete the 6-year-old cycle. However, when fans pointed out the 33-year-old’s actions, The Last Stylebender replied in style, reminiscent of the great Michael Jordan.

“…and I took that personally – Michael Jordan.” wrote the UFC Middleweight Champion in reply to his mocking video.

MJ was famous for taking actions or comments to heart and using it as motivation for his performances. Similarly, Adesanya was determined to turn the page against Pereira for the first time. Adesanya’s elation knew no bounds as he left no stone unturned while celebrating his win.

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However, fans were left divided as many found it “petty” behavior from the 33-year-old Champion. Although there were some who couldn’t have enough of his celebrations, some were quite bewildered at the Kiwi’s actions.

Fans react to Adesanya mocking Pereira’s son

The Last Stylebender clearly couldn’t forget the embarrassment from 6 years ago, which was doubled down by the Brazilian’s son mocking him. Years later, when he tried to take inspiration from MJ after an iconic win in the Octagon, fans were not quite happy.

While some found Izzy’s actions extremely hilarious, others pointed out how it was just too far to mock a kid being an adult.

What do you think about Israel Adesanya’s actions? Let us know in the comments below.

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