Israel Adesanya carrying the Chinese flag
From China’s Rings to UFC Champion: The Remarkable Journey of Israel Adesanya
In 2019, when Israel “The Last Stylebender” Adesanya emerged on the UFC stage, it appeared as if he had been in the MMA game for a lifetime. Little did many know that his path to becoming a middleweight champion had been a journey spanning over a decade.
Before conquering the UFC, Adesanya had already put in the hard work. His career included a 5-1 run as a boxer and a remarkable 75-5 record in kickboxing. However, it was his time in the lesser-known Chinese fighting circuits that forged him into the fighter he is today.
At the age of 21, Adesanya ventured far from home, to a place where he didn’t speak the language, competing against more experienced and often larger fighters. Despite initial challenges, he persevered with a 5-0 win streak before tasting his first defeat.
His time in China was transformative. Adesanya earned the nickname “Black Dragon” from the Chinese fans who embraced him as he continuously stepped into the ring, learning the art of fighting, taking hits, facing disappointment, and bouncing back.
Adesanya’s career was a journey through multiple combat sports, from boxing to kickboxing to MMA. When he joined the UFC, he had already accumulated invaluable experience. Adesanya’s debut was memorable, as he quickly dispatched Rob “Razor” Wilkinson, marking his territory like a territorial dog.
As Adesanya’s career progressed, he silenced doubters who questioned his ability to take hits and score knockouts. His meteoric rise culminated in his title clash with Robert “The Reaper” Whittaker, where he showcased his class and made history.
This champion’s journey, from the backblocks of China to UFC glory, is a testament to Adesanya’s dedication and preparation for anything and everything, proving that it is truly his time in the spotlight.
In an intense lead-up to UFC 293, Alexander Volkanovski is warning Sean Strickland that his trash-talking antics won’t spare him from the wrath of reigning middleweight champion Israel Adesanya. The anticipated title showdown is set for September 9 in a sold-out Qudos Bank Arena in Australia.
Volkanovski, a close friend and teammate of Adesanya, anticipates a fiery pre-fight buildup as Strickland is known for his provocative remarks. However, he firmly believes that Strickland’s verbal jabs will come back to haunt him once he steps inside the Octagon with ‘The Last Stylebender.’
“Obviously, Sean is gonna talk, Sean is gonna try and get under his skin,” Volkanovski commented on his YouTube channel. “So that’s gonna make it fun. But I feel Izzy is going to really, really put it on him. Especially with the talk that’s gonna happen. I think Sean Strickland is gonna definitely pay for some of the things he’s gonna say. Stylistically, I feel like he’s definitely gonna get hurt.”
While Strickland is known for his striking, he may attempt to showcase his grappling skills against Adesanya, a move that could backfire, according to the champion. Adesanya, who has never submitted an opponent in his career, believes he’s evolving in his grappling abilities and is confident in his ability to finish fights. Whether it’s a submission or his lethal striking, fans can expect fireworks when these two warriors collide at UFC 293.
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