Cameron Rowston entered UFC Perth with the nerves of a newbie but walked out looking like a star. The middleweight not only defeated a veteran in brutal fashion, but also grabbed the microphone and turned the spotlight to someone else. In front of a packed RAC Arena, with Israel Adesanya watching every second from cageside, ‘Battle Giraffe’ delivered a tribute that surely got the internet talking.

The 30-year-old’s performance alone was enough to draw attention. Against Andre Petroski, a seasoned middleweight with over a dozen UFC fights under his belt, the Australian looked composed, precise, and ruthless. Petroski was dropped with a check left-hook. When the veteran tried for an armbar, Cameron Rowston punished him with heavy ground-and-pound, forcing the referee to intervene. After the fight, Royston tipped his hat to one of the greatest middleweight fighters to have ever graced the Octagon.

Cameron Royston’s heartfelt tribute to Israel Adesanya

It was the type of debut that makes you sit up and think, “This kid might be for real.” But the real story came after the fight. With adrenaline still pumping, ‘Battle Giraffe’ shifted his attention to the guy who had paved the way for City Kickboxing warriors.

“Seven years ago, in this arena, Perth, Western Australia, was witness to one of the most legendary UFC debuts,” he said, pointing straight to Adesanya. He reminded the audience that the first time The Last Stylebender entered the Octagon, he had the same weight, gym, and stage.

He continued, “That man is also 6’4″, 185 pounds, from City Kickboxing. He is often replicated, never duplicated.” Well, it surely is catchy, and Israel Adesanya, smiling cageside, couldn’t hide his approval either. But Rowston wasn’t done there. He put the stamp on his message by encouraging fans to join him and start supporting his journey.

“Get on the Cameron Rowston bandwagon now. The express train is going non-stop to the top,” he declared, energizing the Perth crowd. It was bold, brash, and well timed. By linking his own breakout moment to Adesanya’s legendary debut, ‘Battle Girafe’ didn’t just honor his teammate; he also positioned himself as the next in line to carry that legacy forward. But while several fans might’ve loved the callout, it did lead to some major backlash as well online.

Kenny Okoye goes off on Rowston’s tribute, fans rip into YouTuber

Cameron Rowston’s bold tribute may have wowed the crowd in Perth, but it was a whole other fight online. MMA YouTuber Kenny Okoye led the charge, writing on X that, while he appreciated the acknowledgment to Adesanya, the entire thing “might’ve been the most cringe post-fight ever.”

That one comment was enough to split MMA fans down the middle, and Rowston’s moment became less about his fists and more about whether his mic work was on point or not. Some responded immediately to Okoye’s statements, dismissing them as nothing more than envy. “It wasn’t cringe. You just wish it was you,” one replied.

Others insisted the moment went well, with tweets like “Didn’t seem cringe at all tbh… 🤔” and reminders that “Saying that like anything Adesanya says isn’t some corny try-hard anime moment.” One fan put it bluntly: “Dude tryna build himself, plus he is his teammate, you stupid f—.” Cameron Rowston’s callout didn’t seem odd to them; it felt real.

On the other side, many fans praised the tribute, calling it quirky in the best way. “I love his f—– dork vibes,” one said, while another added, “Better than guys saying things with no energy.” Still, not everyone was convinced. The critics doubled down, branding the moment “Definitely felt awkward.”

Some fans got down to some ridiculing as well: “Would hate to lose to someone like this.” In the end, Rowston’s words weren’t ignored. Instead, they were dissected, defended, and dragged across the internet, ensuring his name stayed buzzing long after the cage had emptied. But what do you think? Was it creative or cringe? Let us know in the comments.