Anthony Johnson and Israel Adesanya
Israel Adesanya has claimed that training with the late Anthony Johnson gave him the assurance to endeavor into mixed martial arts
The mixed martial arts community is still coping with the loss of their beloved fighter Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson. A larger-than-life figure, the former UFC light heavyweight title challenger was afflicted with ‘organ failure due to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis,’ according to Fox Sports. Johnson signed with Bellator last year, debuting in May 2021 with a knockout of Jose Augusto Azevedo, and died on Sunday, according to the organization.
‘It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson,’ said Bellator in a statement.
While the world mourns his loss, Israel Adesanya took to Twitter to pay homage to one of the most lethal strikers and humble personalities in the sport.
Adesanya helped ‘Rumble’ prepare for Jon Jones back in 2015. In his words, the training session gave him the confidence to chase his dreams of being a mixed martial artist.
Adesanya wrote:
“”Rest in Power @Anthony_Rumble 🕊️ In 2015 I had the privilege to be invited to AJ’s camp for his tittle shot. This trip really cemented in my mind that I could hang with the world’s best. Sparring with Anthony was such a rush! Always humble, thank you Rumble!”
Israel Adesanya wasn’t satisfied by the stoppage of his fight against rival Alex Pereira at UFC 281. According to ‘The Last Stylebender’, he has seen worse stoppages and the referee should have let him go out on his guard. In wake of such comments, Alex Pereira has taken to Instagram to lash out at his rival’s comments.
Pereira defeated Adesanya for the middleweight championship at UFC 281. ‘Poatan’ won by standing TKO after staging an incredible comeback in the fifth round. Adesanya objected immediately to the early stoppage, claiming that he was not in immediate danger. “The Last Stylebender” then spoke with Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour about the fight’s conclusion, explaining his thoughts on the outcome.
“Poatan” does not believe Adesanya was defending himself intelligently, and the referee did him a favour, which he made clear on a social media post:
“Adesanya stop making excuses saying that the referee stopped the fight early… you have to thank him for saving your life. The way you were with your head down looking at the ground, I only needed one or two more hits to connect a good knee to your face so we wouldn’t know the outcome.
As I said at that point in the video, you were a great opponent and I respect you for that.
Assume the mistakes along with your team without taking away my merits.
You will have one more chance!
You’re next!”
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