It seems Israel Adesanya is still riding the high from the knockout win over Alex Pereira. The two-time UFC middleweight champion recently made an audacious claim that invited some strong reactions from the fans.
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At UFC 287, Israel Adesanya finally got one back against Alex Pereira by knocking him out cold. With the win, Adesanya earned his title back and is tied 1-1 with Pereira in the UFC. However, the Brazilian is 3-1 up against ‘Izzy’ over the four meetings in their careers. In fact, many fans hold this over Adesanya as he celebrates his recent win over ‘Poatan.’
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April 8, 2023, Miami, FL, Miami, Florida, United States: MIAMI, FLORIDA – APRIL 8: Israel Adesanya celebrates his victory over Alex Pereira in their middleweight fight during the UFC 287 event at Kaseya Center on April 8, 2023 in Miami, FL, United States. Miami, FL United States – ZUMAp175 20230408_zsa_p175_148 Copyright: xAlejandroxSalazarx
Nevertheless, ‘Stylebender’ pays no heed to his critics and prefers to revel in his success. The 33-year-old has been quite active on social media, constantly trolling his critics and his rival. For the first time in seven years, Adesanya is in the driving seat for these exchanges.
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In a recent tweet, the New Zealander shared screenshots of a conversation with a contact where he discussed the annual ESPY awards. In the chats, we see Adesanya make an audacious attempt as he tries to lay claim to three different awards.
Fans react to Israel Adesanya wanting three ESPY awards
In the chat, Israel Adesanya asks if has been nominated for the ESPY Awards. He also makes a suggestion for nomination in three different categories- Comeback of the Year, KO of the Year, and Fighter of the Year. His contact then replied that the ESPYs only do Fighter of the Year category and ‘Izzy’ responded “I’ll take it.”
ESPY 2023! pic.twitter.com/VADjlo1D3a
— Israel Adesanya (@stylebender) April 26, 2023
However, many fans had differing opinions about the subject. One of them said that Adesanya had to win a second belt at light heavyweight to earn the award.
Another one acknowledged his win but mentioned other UFC stars like Brandon Moreno and Islam Makhachev who also had a remarkable year.
Your achievement was great, but can't sleep on Moreno, Leon, Islam, Patchy Mix, Aljo, Tank Davis, who all arguably have better claims to FoTY.
— Fight Wallah (@FightWallah) April 26, 2023
One fan sarcastically agreed he should get “KO of the year for sure.”
Izzy wanted all 3 awards 😂, KO of the year for sure
— SADFOR (@FaTheGoat11) April 26, 2023
A few others also complimented his knockout win.
Best finish of all time champ no doubt
— TalK_SiK (@TalK_SiK) April 26, 2023
Meanwhile, another fan said there wasn’t anyone except Adesanya in contention for the same.
Champ has to take this right? No one else really in contention
— Benjamin Simmons (@Benl0_) April 26, 2023
There were also those that did not agree with the claim. One of them pointed out ‘Izzy’ only had one win this year.
You won once this year LOL
— mm246 (@Bob50065949) April 26, 2023
Another took an issue with his double standards towards ESPN.
There isn’t anyone who switches up more than this kid. He was just talking crap about ESPN because of the highlights they played before the 1st fight with Alex, look at him now. He tries so hard to look cool and act like he doesn’t care. We see through it, kid. #Neverthegoat
— James (@P4PMMAGOAT) April 26, 2023
One other fan said Jon Jones would seal the deal once he beats Stipe Miocic.
Israel Adesanya has been at the center of attention for his rivalry with Alex Pereira. His knockout win also earned him commendations from many. But is it enough to secure him an ESPY?
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Give us your take on the subject in the comments below.
