After Crying at UFC Press Conference, Israel Adesanya Delivers Heartfelt Message for 66 Years Old Father

In the flashy world of combat sports, where fighters often talk about their grit, glory, and greatness, Israel Adesanya recently took a softer turn on social media. The former UFC middleweight champion set aside the bravado to honor someone truly special, his father, Oluwafemi Adesanya. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, and raised as the eldest of five children, ‘The Last Stylebender’ has always looked up to the “head of the family,” as he shared on his Instagram story.

His father, an accountant by trade, and his mother, Taiwo Adesanya, who was a nurse, uprooted their lives to give their children a better future in New Zealand. That sacrifice didn’t go unnoticed by the UFC star, as he has often given them all the credit for his remarkable success in combat sports. In past posts on the social media platform, Adesanya indicated, “Respect to parents supporting their kid’s dreams. Regardless of how ‘unrealistic’ it may be.”

Adesanya’s journey to the top was far from conventional, but his father’s influence played a pivotal role, even in the strategy for his fights! At UFC 253, ahead of his dominant victory over Paulo Costa, Adesanya had planned to step into the Octagon sporting bright pink hair. However, his father’s keen eye for detail made him change his plans. Why?

During the post-fight press conference, Adesanya explained, “My dad…he said I’m going to blind him with my jab, and when he’s compromised in one eye and I take the other eye out, if he sees a pink hue, he’ll still know where my head is. He’ll know that’s where my head is, and he’ll just aim for the pink hue. So I was like, ‘You’re right.’ And like a good boy, I listened to my dad. He’s a smart man.”

This bond between father and son was evident in the former champion’s Instagram story as he bestowed the “G.O.A.T.” title upon him. A label usually reserved for icons of sports, but here, fittingly bestowed upon the man who shaped his path and at 66 years of age, still looking like a ‘king’ as highlighted by Adesanya in his story.

However, even in the most heartfelt moments, the cage’s rivalries are never far behind. A while back at the UFC 305 pre-fight press conference, Dricus Du Plessis wasted no time trolling Adesanya for showing his emotions. The war of words turned personal when Du Plessis mocked Adesanya’s childhood comments about growing up in Nigeria. When asked about taking the belt back to Africa, du Plessis jabbed, “Are you taking the servants with you when you’re going back?”

The remark seemingly cut deep, and Adesanya responded with tears and defiance as he stated, “He touched a subject there because I do this for my family … look, I am a f—- human being, I am a man. I can cry and whoop you’re a– at the same time.”

It’s a sentiment that resonates deeply. Behind every championship belt and highlight reel is a story of unwavering parental support. Now, the question remains, what’s next for Israel Adesanya? Because there are whispers in the MMA sphere of a potential next fight for the ‘The Last Stylebender’!

‘The Natural’ reveals Israel Adesanya is poised for a return to action against Nassourdine Imavov  

Momentum can shift like sand in the wind in the world of MMA and Israel Adesanya finds himself at a crossroads. Despite back-to-back losses in his last two outings, ‘The Last Stylebender’ remains a towering figure in the UFC. So, who’s up next to challenge the only man to knock out Alex Pereira in the UFC so far?

According to fellow middleweight Caio Borralho, Adesanya may have already signed the contract for his next fight. In a recent appearance on the Overdogs podcast, the no.6 ranked middleweight revealed, “Yeah, [Israel Adesanya vs. Nassourdine Imavov is] confirmed, I think the UFC offered Izzy two fights—me or Imavov. He suddenly posted a clip studying Imavov’s tape. I was like, ‘Come on, bro.'”

Borralho’s skepticism didn’t end there. He revealed an exchange with Adesanya following the news. “Actually, I sent a message to Izzy and was like, ‘Bro, why are you choosing that?’ And he was like, ‘We’re going to fight next year, we’re going to dance next year for the belt. I messaged him, ‘Bro, why Imavov?’ He replied, ‘We’re dancing next year—for the belt.”

For Adesanya, a bout with Imavov could be a strategic masterstroke. Imavov, while skilled, doesn’t carry the same level of threat as Borralho on paper. A win here could boost Adesanya’s morale and restore some of his aura. Yet, the stakes remain high. If Adesanya falters again, the whispers of decline will start to grow louder.

From honoring his father’s sacrifices to facing ridicule with poise, ‘The Last Stylebender’ continues to navigate the highs and lows of life inside and outside the Octagon. As whispers of a potential clash with Nassourdine Imavov circulate, Adesanya stands at a pivotal moment in his career. Will this be the fight that reignites his championship aspirations, or will it signal the dawn of a new era for the middleweight division? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!