Former UFC Middleweight champ Israel Adesanya lost against Brazilian challenger and old kickboxing rival Alex Pereira. At UFC 281, “The Last Stylebender” lost his title after defending it five times via TKO in round five. Despite the disappointing defeat, Adesanya traveled to Tahiti. The former champ channeled his inner Kelly Slater to cut out the noise after his brutal loss.

The Nigerian mixed martial artist took to social media and posted photos and videos of him having a good time while trying something new. Fans also seem impressed by Adesanya’s ability to learn something new.

Israel Adesanya hits the waves

The former UFC middleweight champion posted pictures and videos of him surfing with Raimana Van Bastolaer. Bastolaer is among the most renowned surfers, and Adesanya couldn’t pass up the opportunity to learn from the best. “Last day, tired from the day and night before. But the chance to be coached by @raimanaworld (Raimana Van Bastolaer),” wrote Adesanya.

“Relax!!! Relax!!!” shouts Raimana in one video as he instructs Adesanya when to stand up and find balance on the surfboard. “Ended up catching a few waves and learned a lot about reading the ocean, coral reefs, and being patient,” wrote the UFC superstar. Israel Adesanya is among the growing number of celebrities who are trying their luck in surfing.

Over the last decades, “Surf Culture” has grown at a steady pace. The 11-time world champion Kelly Slater once compared surfing with golf. Slater, who also enjoys golf, said the two games are alike. “People from different walks of life surf now…It’s a lifelong lifestyle sport, like golf,” said Slater.

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However, Kelly Slater and Israel Adesanya have more in common than surfing. While Adesanya also plays some golf, Slater is a UFC fan. Slater said he follows the UFC and is friends with many fighters and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners. Kelly also revealed he has practiced Jiu-Jitsu “For a number of years.”

Coming for the throne of Kelly Slater?

After Isreal posted the pictures and videos, his comment section exploded. Some fans filled in the blanks of the first line of Izzy’s caption, “When life gives you waves…🌬️🌊🏄🏾‍♂️”

One fan wrote, “When life give you waves, surf it.😅”

Another fan wrote something similar.

However, one fan tagged Kelly Slater and warned him.

One fan didn’t forget to praise Izzy’s cardio.

Others congratulated the former champion for living it up.

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Did you think Izzy did a good job surfing for the first time?