“Don’t Try and be Fake Like Jones” – Israel Adesanya Offers Words of Wisdom to Aspiring Fighters

Israel Adesanya has had a stellar rise to the top of the Middleweight Division. As Champion, he constantly positions himself as one who is real. It is evident by his claims of finding it odd that reporters think he wanted Kamaru Usman to lose at UFC 235 so that he would be the first Nigerian UFC Champion. In keeping with the idea of being real ‘The Last Stylebender’ has a piece of advice for young and aspiring fighters.

“He’s Been Hiding Behind a Character For Years”- Israel Adesanya Continues to Attack Jon Jones

Israel Adesanya advises fighters to be themselves

In a chat on BJPENN.COM Radio, ‘The Last Stylebender’ said, “Take notes in a sense of how I’ve handled the pressure, the media and all that kind of stuff. But don’t be taking notes and be like, ‘Izzy does things like this. I’m going to do it like this.’ You have to be yourself. You can’t be anyone else but your best you. That’s what’s going to sell. Don’t try and be fake like Jones.

‘The Last Stylebender’ claimed the title in his 6th fight. However, he isn’t flashy or different like many other fighters become after they attain success in the organization.

“Just be yourself. And me being myself is something like what I did for my UFC entrances in the last fight and the previous one, just making references to my culture through dance, which I love. Making references to anime culture and some other nerd s**t and it’s cool s**t that really vibes with me. So I’m being authentically myself and these guys should take notes in being authentically themselves. Figuring out what that is. It’s not for everyone. And I’ve changed the game with that now and in doing that.”

The Middleweight Champion is taunting the Light Heavyweight Champion more than fighters from the latter’s division are. A matchup between the two will be huge. However, it may not happen soon as both fighters have challengers waiting in the wings. ‘The Last Stylebender’ will face Paulo Costa next whilst ‘Bones’ could face either Jan Blachowicz or Dominick Reyes. 

What do you make of Adesanya’s advice? Or more importantly, what do you think ‘Bones’ will make of it? Can we expect a scathing response for a few minutes before it is deleted?