Israel Adesanya has truly shown the character of a champion post-losing his belt. MMA fans were shell shocked after the Last Stylebender dropped his title to Alex Pereira at UFC 281. The majority of fighters in his position would avoid speaking to the media. However, the Nigerian has been more than willing to reflect on the fight.
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The former champion also showed up in the post-fight press conference immediately after his fight was over. Although Adesanya didn’t complain too much about the stoppage, however, he stated that he would have liked a few more seconds before the referee would step in. Nonetheless, Stylebender talked about this in detail when he made an appearance on the ‘MMA Hour’ hosted by Ariel Helwani.
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The journalist and the fighter sat for a prolonged conversation discussing his loss, the fight, and his future plans. Meanwhile, the middleweight also discussed UFC commentator Joe Rogan and his comments on the fight.
Israel Adesanya shuts down Joe Rogan’s accusations
The host asked Izzy, “You’ll still fight him next? Without a doubt? You can fight him, but you want him to be the champion so you can get the belt back.” To this, Adesanya replied, “I hope he’s the champion, but I’m just saying hypothetically. I’ll still fight him. I’m crazy bro.”
Helwani then further enquired, “You know in your heart you beat him the next time?” The former champion was quick to reply, “I can beat him. I know I can beat him. You’ve seen I can beat him. He’s just, you know… I wouldn’t say luck, f*ck luck. It’s just that he invested well, a good game plan. He’s a good fighter. I know… it’s my ego, maybe for sure. But I’m allowed. I just believe I’m better.”
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MARCH 07: Israel Adesanya of Nigeria battles Yoel Romero (not pictured) in their UFC middleweight championship fight during the UFC 248 event at T-Mobile Arena on March 07, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
Joe Rogan recently talked about the fight on his podcast. The commentator stated that although Pereira competes in the middleweight, however, his massive size and his fight-day weight hold a disadvantage to other middleweight. Moreover, he called it ‘sanctioned cheating.’ Nevertheless, Izzy was dismissive about the idea of cheating and stated that he was a better fighter. Further stating that he’ll beat Pereira in their rematch.
How do you think the potential rematch plays out? Make sure to let us know.
WATCH THIS STORY: WATCH: Five Times Alex Pereira Mocked Rival Israel Adesanya Ahead of UFC 281
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Edited by
Jayant Chhabra