Israel Adesanya is never not in the headlines. There was a time not too long ago when everyone considered Izzy a possible 3-division mega-star candidate. The Nigerian-based Kiwi has long maintained his brand in UFC competition, even in losses, granted, that multi-division dream is far off now, with old rival Alex Pereira coming into purview. But Izzy always makes headlines; he recently did so with Sodiq Yusuff again.
The former UFC champion made headlines earlier this month following a road rage incident in central Auckland, NZ. Israel Adesanya also recently lost a title affair at the UFC 305 pay-per-view top bill against Dricus Du Plessis. ‘Stylebender’ and Nigerian peer Sodiq Yusuff again hit the headlines for comforting a little boy. Sponsored by Adesanya’s global fight wear brand Engage® the fight took place back home in Nigeria.
The reel shows the featherweight out of Team Lloyd Irvin hugging the kid after he departs. Along with ‘Super’ Sodiq Yusuff, Adesanya too cheers him up, saying he fought well. The kid pouting at his loss also hits him funny. This is from when Adesanya went viral after his recent UFC 305 pay-per-view (PPV) title loss in Perth, receiving a hero’s welcome at Lagos. Other than his homecoming interactions and church visits, he also visited the local boxing event.
The 35-year-old is on a two-fight losing streak, going 1-3 in four. Despite his recent slump, Adesanya is considerably one of the best middleweights. His last 12 fights were UFC title scraps and now he is officially back from his sabbatical. However, Izzy didn’t cancel plans to go back to Lagos. The wholesome interaction, from two eras of Nigerian combat sports talent to another, has gone quite viral.
Fight fans react to wholesome support from Israel Adesanya
Adesanya (24-4 MMA, 13-4 UFC) recently failed to regain his belt after an 11-month hiatus. Before his title grudge affair, he also came out strong on racially charged issues. But there is more than one way to be a champion. People’s champ – for one is a very big thing.
Fans respond to mentor Israel Adesanya (Source: express.co.uk)That has been apparent with many fighters recently. Belal Muhammad, for one, was once always billed as a slow-running decision merchant. But his effort to uphold the Palestinian cause and to bring his Southwest Side streetside background to the forefront has won him many fans. Chicago fans now ‘Remember the Date‘ as September 20 is now “Belal Muhammad Day” around Bridgeview.
The essence of giving to the community, peers, and even next-gen fighters has also made favela personas like Alex Pereira and Charles Oliveira very likeable. Oliveira is arguably the most exciting fan-favorite fighter who goes viral for his interactions with fans and even those he coaches. Now, Izzy similarly sheds his old habits to take up a brief mentor-mentee role and console a kid in Lagos.
A handful of fans have quipped that Izzy knows a thing or two about loss himself. Israel Adesanya now has lost back-to-back fights to Sean Strickland and Du Plessis; the Strickland was a massive upset. However, others have praised him for it. Here is what the MMA community thinks of it.
Izzy knows a couple things about getting embarrassed
— Ricky (@Rickrickrick55) September 20, 2024
A lot have expressed that such interaction makes him more grounded, almost a G.O.A.T. This only adds to the momentum of brand value star-power Izzy once commanded so easily. While the fighter may or may not have a resurgence after UFC 305, these are the moments that live on.
