Israel Adesanya looks like a natural on the big stage. The crowd, the bright lights, the expectations, the pressure, nothing seems to bother him. He even took his humiliating loss to Alex Pereira with admirable self-assuredness and composure, (correctly) confident about beating the Brazilian in their rematch, without seeming cocky or disrespectful.

But, turns out, he didn’t feel he belonged in the UFC in his initial fights and got depressed due to it. The Nigerian-Kiwi discussed this with Joe Rogan and told the Boston native who he prefers to hang out with at home.

Israel Adesanya tells Joe Rogan who he likes to hang out with at home and why

Adesanya told Rogan that he preferred to hang out with his dogs and cats at home as he feels comfortable around them, and doesn’t have to entertain them or talk to them. He revealed that, contrary to popular opinion, he isn’t always an extrovert, which is why he likes to kick back and chill at home with his pets.

“That’s why I like hanging out with my dogs and my cat because they don’t say anything. I can just be, I can just exist with them. And I don’t have to entertain them. I don’t have to talk, right? Contrary to popular belief, I’m not always extroverted. I’m a cuss baby. I’m a crab lion,” Adesanya said.

READ MORE: Is Israel Adesanya Moving Up to Light Heavyweight to Rekindle Rivalry With Alex Pereira After UFC 293 Sean Strickland Fight

Adesanya reveals his feeling like he didn’t belong in the UFC after his debut

‘Stylebender’ shared that following his UFC debut against Rob Wilkinson, he felt depressed. When Rogan asked him to describe the feeling, he told Rogan he felt like he didn’t belong in the UFC. He stated he was dogged with this feeling for his first two fights, but wasn’t able to overcome it until his fourth fight in the promotion against Derek Brunson.

“But, like yeah, when I’m home by myself I’m just very reserved I like to build my own thoughts. I like to be in my own space. And the feeling [after the first fight] was… It’s almost [like], I’ve heard of impostor syndrome… You almost feel like you don’t belong. Like, I don’t belong, I don’t deserve this,” Adesanya told the Texas resident.

As Adesanya gears up to defend his title against #6 ranked middleweight Sean Strickland in Australia this Sunday at UFC 293, he is at the top of his game. Already considered one of the greatest fighters, the Yoruba has spoken about wanting to be the greatest MMA fighter ever. But, it is heartening to see that even the greatest have to start at the bottom and overcome doubt and uncertainty.

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