Israel Adesanya’s Coach Eugene Bareman Laughs off Steroid Use Accusations

Israel Adesanya put on a clinical performance against Paulo Costa at UFC 253. It was perhaps one of the best title defense performances ever. From the moment the bell rang, ‘Stylebender’ was in complete control of the fight.

He utilized leg kicks brilliantly to chew up Costa’s leg and compromise his mobility. Adesanya was sharp and precise in his striking. Eventually, in the second round, ‘Izzy’ landed a perfectly placed left hand that signaled the beginning of the end. 

However, despite his jaw-dropping performance against Paulo, other things were the main topic of discussion post-fight. Adesanya’s vulgar actions after the stoppage received a lot of criticism and almost overshadowed what he had done. Similarly, Adesanya was the center of attention for an abnormality on his right pectoral muscle. 

Read: Jon Jones says he wants Israel Adesanya fight in six months 

“It’s outrageous” Israel Adesanya’s coach Eugene Bareman defends his fighter

While walking towards the octagon and even in the fight, fans and pundits alike noticed an abnormality on the champion’s right pectoral muscle. The right side of Adesanya’s chest seemed to be swollen and dropping.

Fans took to Twitter to suggest Gynecomastia. ‘Gyno’ or Gynecomastia is a condition that causes the enlargement and swelling of the male breast tissue. This sometimes occurs because of the use of steroids.

In a recent interview with Submission Radio, Adesanya’s coach, Eugene Bareman, addressed rumors of steroid usage. He said:

“In typical Kiwi fashion, we kind of just laughed it off. Just because we’re so confident and that nothing could be further from the truth. It’s something so outlandish, it kind of becomes funny because it’s just so outlandish.

“It kind of takes on a comedy-type feel. I found it kind of funny, it’s outrageous. So we just laughed it off.”

Bareman continued, “Just because of the ethics and morals that we have. Notwithstanding something accidental may be, and the chances of that are slim to none as well because we’re so good at using the right approved supplements.

“It’s just never been a part of our ethics and morals at the gym. In fact, we’ve been very outspoken against it. It’s even funny that we’re talking about it.

“You see it as an issue because obviously physically he has that anomaly on his chest, but for us, it isn’t an issue. It’s like, let’s figure out what it is and move on. Who’s the next fight?”

What do you make of Israel Adesanya’s saggy pectoral muscle? Is it steroid-related or is it another issue altogether?