The ISPS Handa Sportsman of the Year Award winner is mixed martial arts Israel Adesanya at the ISPS Handa Halberg Awards on February 13, 2020 (Photo by Dave Rowland/Getty Images)
Israel Adesanya created history by tying up with major brand Puma
UFC Middleweight Champion Israel Adesanya became the latest star to be sponsored by Puma.
The sports apparel firm is one of the biggest in the world and sponsors other big names such as Virat Kohli, Neymar and Serena Williams.
The German company also sponsors some of the biggest football clubs in the world with Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund and Manchester City over the years.
However, this is a historic signing by Puma as Adesanya became their first MMA signing. The Stylebender is one of the few undefeated stars in the MMA circuit, and he has had a great kickboxing career too.
Adesanya was pleased at sharing a new video showing off his latest sponsors. The Stylebender could be seen working out and running over a flight of stairs.
The video ended with Adesanya on top of the world, in speaking terms, and reaching out to the Universe.
Getting a deal from any of the major sportswear brands is a big deal and with Puma signing Adesanya, the Germans are sending a message.
The Stylebender has several quality years left in him, and they see him as the face for the Oceania region.
It will be interesting to see what else is on Puma’s mind as they could use Adesanya as a global face too.
The New Zealand-Nigerian star has a tough clash on his hands next though. He defends the Middleweight title against undefeated Paulo Costa.
That should be an amazing fight and many believe Adesanya might have met his match. However, Stylebender doesn’t seem flustered with Costa, and this new Puma promo could be a minor boost for Adesanya to keep hold of his title.
Many fans were excited learning about the Puma sponsorship, and here are some of the reactions from social media.
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