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via Imago

via Imago

Israel Adesanya is gearing up for his first title defense of his second reign as middleweight champion at UFC 293. However, in the buildup to the fight, his opponent, Sean Strickland, made many inflammatory comments about ‘The Last Stylebender’. Adesanya has opened up about his thoughts on being called Chinese, and even ‘Tarzan’ questioning his manhood.

Sean Strickland has been making derogatory remarks about Israel Adesanya’s nationality. The Nigerian-born Kiwi fighter had previously claimed to be Chinese while fighting in China. It has since become a subject of ridicule for Strickland. Let us take a look at how ‘Izzy’ responded to those comments.

Israel Adesanya doesn’t care what Sean Strickland has to say

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During the UFC 293 media day, ‘The Last Stylebender’ mentioned that he has no problems with what ‘Tarzan’ has to say. Moreover, he took a jibe at Strickland, claiming that he has traveled the world, unlike his UFC 293 opponent. Israel Adesanya said, “[The] Chinese thing, I don’t give a f***. I actually have traveled around the world.”

Moreover, the two-time middleweight champion mentioned how he has a resume of working, fighting and even acting in many countries. Meanwhile, it is Sean Strickland’s first fight in a UFC event held outside his home country. Adesanya added, “I have worked around the world, I have fought around the world [and] I have acted around the world.” Furthermore, ‘Izzy’ even revealed why he does not care about all the trash talk.

‘The Last Stylebender’ reveals why does not care about the trash talk from his UFC 293 opponent

It is clear that Adesanya does not like Sean Strickland. He even mentioned earlier that ‘Tarzan’ would embarrass the UFC if he became the champion. As such, he mentioned that if he really did care about the 32-year-old’s comments, he’d have probably tried to provide an explanation as to what that viral video clip about him being Chinese was about.

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via Imago

I have never even addressed it because look if I give a f*** and address it, I’ll tell you why exactly was that clip or what it was,” said Israel Adesanya. Similarly, the champion also added that he has no reason to clap back at those comments from Strickland because he’s world-traveled and is making more money than most UFC fighters. “I really don’t give a f***. I have been working around the world and making bags,” said the two-time middleweight champion.

READ MORE: Israel Adesanya Reacts With 4 Words After Gracing the EA UFC 5 Cover, Second Time in a Row for the Franchise

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Although the Nigerian-born Kiwi fighter claims that Sean Strickland is an “idiot,” he is not taking him any lightly. He has prepared for his upcoming fight the same way he prepared for his previous fights. Adesanya is confident in his ability to make quick work of the 5th-ranked middleweight fighter and continue his championship reign. What do you think? Who’ll win this weekend? Drop your comments below.

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