Israel Adesanya is one of the UFC’s most iconic middleweight champions. However, the former champion found himself in the midst of a road rage incident in his home country of New Zealand. Adesanya recently gave Joe Rogan some more insight and context about the incident. Here is what happened:
Israel Adesanya recently sat down for a conversation on the Joe Rogan Experience. During their discussion, Adesanya revealed how one of his friends died due to senseless street violence. ‘Daniel Havili‘ assaulted Fau Vake with a “coward punch”, which sent the Tongan MMA fighter to the ground. The impact caused a brain bleed, and Vake died at Auckland City Hospital nine days later.
The guys that killed my friend, when we were in lockdown, they were on home detention. So they’re free now, they’re walking free enjoying their life and my friend is dead.
Israel Adesanya via The Joe Rogan Experience
Adesanya’s altercation was on video, and it quickly circulated online. The UFC icon was in a heated argument with an unidentified man who was flexing his muscles and provoking the MMA fighter. Adesanya, visibly upset, repeatedly dared the man, saying, “I dare you to try me!” The situation escalated with Adesanya reportedly spitting at the man before the video ended.
Adesanya decided to press charges against the man for racial abuse and threats of violence. During the conversation with Rogan, Adesanya revealed that the video of his altercation would be of use at the Walk Without Fear Trust. It was set up after Vake’s unfortunate incident back in 2021.
The Walk Without Fear Trust and other charities that Israel Adesanya is a part of
The Walk Without Fear Trust was established in response to the death of the 25-year-old Liufau Vake. The tragic event prompted the formation of the Trust, spearheaded by Eugene Bareman, head coach of City Kickboxing, and Israel Adesanya. The Trust aims to address the increasing issue of street violence in New Zealand.
One of the primary goals of the Trust is to educate the public about the life-altering consequences of street violence. The Trust advocates for societal and legislative changes aimed at curbing violence. That includes pushing for stricter penalties for offenders and promoting policies that create safer environments in public spaces. By influencing policy and public opinion, the Trust hopes to reduce the incidence of such violent acts.
A big thank you to UFC Middleweight Champion Israel Adesanya for signing some of my artwork for both the Clatterbridge Cancer Charity and myself.
For someone who could probably rip my spine clean out of my body, I’ve got to say, what a nice guy 😰😂🙌🏽 pic.twitter.com/Es3z8puAos
— Marc Loboda (@marcloboda) February 10, 2021
In addition to his work with the Walk Without Fear Trust, Adesanya also contributes to the Child Cancer Foundation. It is a charity dedicated to helping children with cancer and their families. He has also actively contributed to community welfare, particularly in his native home of Nigeria.
