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Ex-UFC champ Israel Adesanya can do what he wants, but
Following his shocking defeat by Sean Strickland for the UFC middleweight title at UFC 293 in Australia, Israel Adesanya declared his retirement from competition.
Adesanya stated, “I knew I was nearing the end of my career and I want to do as many as I can because I know when I’m done with this I’m going to miss it.” This was how she felt prior to the fight. I’m making every effort to do my best. However, after this battle and another fourteen months and four fights later, it’s not just the fights—the training and everything else matter as well.
You’ve seen that I had injuries before to the bout with Pereira. I don’t offer justifications. Since Strickland was the superior combatant that evening, he won me over. He performed the job well. He was supported by a capable group. I never offered justifications. I praised him.
I’m going to stop fighting for the time being and take some time to care for myself. Adesanya went on, “I’m definitely not going to retire because I know myself, I’m not leaving like that.” I am aware of myself. But I’d be alright if I did. Nothing more needs to be proven by me. However, I am aware of the things I can do and the lifestyle adjustments I can make to help my body adjust to where I need to be. I am going to get better. I won’t fight for a very long time.
Long-time UFC and kickboxing rival Alex Pereira isn t buying it
As everyone can claim to know an opponent, so too can one UFC participant claim to know Israel Adesanya. Adesanya has met Alex Pereira, a former kickboxing champion of the UFC and Glory, twice in the kickboxing ring and twice more in the UFC Octagon.
In kickboxing, Pereira is 2-0 versus Israel Adesanya, winning one via decision and the other via knockout. The two have split their fights in mixed martial arts, with Pereira defeating Adesanya and winning the title at UFC 281 in 2022. At UFC 287 in April of this year, Adesanya defeated Pereira via second-round knockout to exact revenge.
Thus, when Alex Pereira discusses Israel Adesanya, he is speaking from a point of knowledge that adversaries in combat sports are only able to access.
In an interview with CBS Sports Shakiel Mahjouri, Pereira stated that it’s difficult to grasp Adesanya’s perspective, which makes it difficult to say anything about it. Although he claims to be taking a long leave of absence, there are other considerations besides money. The man has already profited. That is not the point. He enjoys fighting. Perhaps he’s just puzzled and has to cling on to find out what comes next. In my opinion, he returns sooner and more powerfully than everyone realizes.
What’s next for the Stylebender and his future in combat sports is only going to become clear with time and Israel Adesanya. Pereira has since moved on, competing in the UFC’s light heavyweight class, where he is currently 1-0. This Saturday at UFC 295 in New York, he will take on Jiri Prochazka for the vacant 205-pound title.
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The original editor of BloodyElbow.com is Nate Wilcox. He has so employed every writer and editor to work on the website. Strong opinions, the progression of fighting tactics, and a concentration on MMA history are hallmarks of Wilcox’s work for BE. From 2009 to 2011, USA Today published the SBN MMA consensus rankings, which Wilcox created. Prior to starting BE, Wilcox was an early political blogger and political operator for people like Senators John Kerry and Mark Warner. In Netroots Rising: A History of the Political Blogosphere from 2003 to 2007, he is a co-author. Wilcox is also the host of the Pantheon show Network’s Let It Roll show, which focuses on music history.
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