UFC

Israel Adesanya reacts as former rival names Stylebender as most surprising fighter faced

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Israel Adesanya and Kelvin Gastelum put on a show when they met for the interim UFC Middleweight title

Israel Adesanya and Kelvin Gastelum have been in a few wars in their respective UFC careers.

Adesanya is the current UFC Middleweight champion and is undefeated in his career. The Stylebender also has an incredible kickboxing record and is possibly one of the best MMA stars ever to have taken the sport.

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)

Gastelum, for his part, was one of the top stars in the UFC. However, his powers have waned in recent years and he has lost three fights in a row.

Gastelum was asked about which rival surprised him in the Octagon. The Middleweight star named Adesanya as the rival and explained just how tough he was in the battle.

“I did not expect Israel to be as tough as he was. The level of punishment taken on both sides would’ve made many, many, many great fighters quit.”

Adesanya responded to this statement by Gastelum, and the champ seemed pleased with the compliment.

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Gastelum has lost all his fights since losing to Adesanya. However, Stylebender has only gone from strength to strength since picking up the gold.

He defeated Robert Whittaker to become the undisputed champion and also defended his title against Yoel Romero.

While Adesanya has taken on all comers, he does have a tough clash up next.

Costa vs Adesanya

Paulo Costa is set to face Adesanya at UFC 253. The pair have built up quite a rivalry in recent months, and they will finally lock horns soon.

Kelvin Gastelum walks from the ring during the UFC Fight Night at Mercedes-Benz Arena on November 25, 2017 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Hu Chengwei/Getty Images)

Costa, like Adesanya, is undefeated in his MMA career. The Brazilian also has a different style compared to Adesanya’s and is known for his knockout ability.

Many believe that Costa is a proper challenge for Adesanya and it will be interesting to see how this clash goes.

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Saiyed Adeem Karim

Ditching a corporate job to follow a dream isn't easy, but when football comes calling, who can say no? Been following the beautiful game since 1998. Liverpool addict, F1 fanatic!

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