Israel Adesanya, known as “The Last Stylebender,” recently opened up about still holding a grudge over a key moment in his career. Since his UFC debut in February 2018, Adesanya has delivered impressive performances inside the Octagon, establishing himself as one of MMA’s most formidable strikers and a two-time middleweight champion. Although he has moved past his rivalry with Alex Pereira, their battles in both kickboxing and the UFC are significant chapters in their respective careers. However, Adesanya believes his path might have been very different if not for what he sees as unfair treatment regarding a particular opportunity.
Adesanya’s relationship with the kickboxing promotion Glory soured after losing the middleweight title to Jason Wilnis in 2017, in a match he feels was unjustly decided to favor a Dutch fighter. Reflecting on that loss during a Q&A in Thailand, he admitted that Glory took the world title away from him, which left him feeling bitter. This loss might have shaped his future, as had he won, his UFC journey and subsequent rise to MMA stardom may not have occurred. Despite his earlier criticism, Adesanya acknowledged Glory’s role in boosting his career and providing a platform for many fighters.
In other news, Adesanya commented on Rico Verhoeven, a legendary heavyweight kickboxer who might soon transition to the UFC. Having sparred with Verhoeven before, Adesanya noted that while Verhoeven dominated him physically, he’s trained in MMA for some time and seems well-prepared for the switch. This potential move could introduce a new dynamic to the UFC, much like Adesanya and Pereira’s transfers from kickboxing to MMA.
Fan Take: This news is crucial for fight fans as it highlights the resilience and evolution of top fighters like Adesanya, whose setbacks in one sport can fuel success in another. The possible UFC debut of Rico Verhoeven also promises exciting fresh matchups, potentially raising the competitive level and drawing more attention to MMA’s growing crossover appeal.
