
via Getty
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – FEBRUARY 10: Israel Adesanya of New Zealand stands in his corner prior to his middleweight bout against Anderson Silva of Brazil during the UFC 234 at Rod Laver Arena on February 10, 2019 in the Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

via Getty
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – FEBRUARY 10: Israel Adesanya of New Zealand stands in his corner prior to his middleweight bout against Anderson Silva of Brazil during the UFC 234 at Rod Laver Arena on February 10, 2019 in the Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya is currently under the heat of fans as many deemed his last performance less exciting. Even though he defeated Jared Cannonier to defend his title at UFC 276, Marvel actor Chris Pratt called him out for his lackluster performance.
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However, ‘The Last Stylebender’ revealed that this is not the first time an actor has criticized him publicly. Izzy recalled a similar situation in the past, where an actor criticized him for his knockout victory over Paulo Costa.
Adesanya said, “When I f***ed up Costa, I got criticized by another actor. I f***ed up Costa, but yet again, he criticized me … ‘Great athlete, s*** human’ or whatever he said, I can’t remember. I’m not doing this for anyone.”
“You can’t make anyone happy. It’s not even the s*** like, again, they’d never say this to my face. These are people who play, act, as heroes. These are people who act as tough guys. I’m not an actor, I don’t act. I am. So … there’s a big difference.”
ALSO READ: VIDEO: Israel Adesanya Just Showed off His Sports Car and It’s a McLaren
“I think it’s because it was public as well. I don’t care if you have the opinion. Okay cool, keep it to yourself, keep it among your friends. But when you come out publicly to say that it’s like yo, you want smoke? You want fire?”
The controversy between Israel Adesanya and Chris Pratt
Following Adesanya’s fifth successful title defense at UFC 276, famous actor Pratt, who attended the event in Las Vegas, criticized Izzy’s performance on the ESPN post-fight show.
You’re right. I’m sorry brutha. It bugs me when people criticize my work- having never themselves risked anything. It makes me a hypocrite to do exactly that to you. My bad. Keep on keeping on champ. 🙏🏻♥️
— Chris Pratt (@prattprattpratt) July 6, 2022
However, Pratt’s ‘pitter-patter’ comments didn’t sit well with the UFC champion who took a jibe at the Marvel star. ‘The Last Stylebender’ posted a clip of James McAvoy hitting Pratt from the 2008 film ‘Wanted’ along with a witty caption.
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Following that, the Jurassic World actor apologized to the Nigerian-born fighter.
‘The Last Stylebender’, with a 23-1 professional record and five title defenses under his name, is regarded as one of the greatest middleweights. He remains unfazed by his naysayers and continues to dominate the roster.
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After UFC 276, Izzy announced he will fight Alex Pereira next to once again prove his doubters wrong.
What are your thoughts on Adesanya vs. Pereira? What do you think of the controversy between Izzy and Pratt? Let us know in the comments section below.
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