The Last Stylebender defended his UFC Middleweight title for the 5th time, facing Jared Cannonier back in July. This drew a lot of criticism from fans and fighters across the globe. It also affected him a lot as he revealed that it made him break down into tears backstage. He did not like the criticism he faced after the fight and described his frustration in the interview.

In the interview, he said, “Yes, I think it’s unjust and yes, it has lit a fire under me.” He further added, “How dare you call me boring when I’m in the 5th round with Cannonier, I’m touching him.” 

In his belief, the youth currently has a lack of attention span and has forgotten some of the classics he had over the years. This type of criticism isn’t something new. Other fighters as well, such as Jon Jones, Georges St-Pierre, and Anderson Silva, faced it, to name a few. He had shut down the noise by focusing on just being great and won’t be fazed by it.

Israel Adesanya: His take on Alex Pereira’s the title shot

The UFC 281 will bring us several blockbuster fights throughout the night. None other is more anticipated than Adesanya vs. Pereira. Both of the fighters have a history, with Pereira defeating Adesanya twice and once with a knockout in kickboxing.

Nobody apart from him had knocked out Adesanya in a professional fight. But questions were raised when he was handed the title shot after only having seven MMA fights.

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Further, Adesanya believes that his having lapped the division and defeating every other challenger he faced gave Alex Pereira this opportunity. He had cleared the path for him. 

Also Read – Reigniting Heated Feud, Israel Adesanya Gives a Cheeky Answer to Jon Jones ‘Advice’ to Alex Pereira: “He Knows Why”

He wasn’t surprised with what Pereira has done so far in the UFC. He was confident of Pereira to see off his opponents and reach the point where they would face again. Who do you think will stand with their hands raised at UFC 281?

Watch this story: Israel Adesanyas Top 5 Best Performances in the UFC