David Goggins tried his best to break Tony Ferguson ahead of UFC 296, but ‘El Cucuy’ survived ‘Hell Week.’ Although he failed to turn around his six-fight skid at UFC 296, even with Goggins in his corner, it was a memorable collaboration between the influencer and the UFC star. While Goggins may not have gotten a career highlight UFC moment then, he got his personal favorite months before the December 2023 PPV.

It was the defining moment in UFC middleweight history when Israel Adesanya brutally avenged his trifecta of losses to Alex Pereira, reclaiming the title spectacularly. That clash didn’t just settle a rivalry—it ended Pereira’s reign in the division and marked a turning point in Adesanya’s journey. Since then, ‘The Last Stylebender’ has faced three crushing defeats, and the aura of invincibility that once surrounded him seems to have faded. Now more than ever, he needs a spark. Enter David Goggins—the relentless ultramarathoner —who’s been training with Adesanya. In a raw, spur-of-the-moment reflection, Goggins called that revenge win “the best moment in UFC history.” And maybe, just maybe, it’s the fire Adesanya needs to rise again.

While having a candid conversation after a long training session, David Goggins emphasized that the moment that was utter favorite within the UFC was Israel Adesanya’s victory over Alex Pereira. “It was the best moment for me in MMA history. It was the best moment for me—I mean, a real spiritual guy—and for you to be in all of that chaos, to beat the f—ing giant that had beaten you so many times… For you to get to that f——g mountain, and then be like, ‘I’m gonna give you all some f——g knowledge now.'”

Goggins has a point. For a man who motivates the masses for a living, ‘Izz’s impassioned speech must be a Bible verse. Here’s what Adesanya said after the career highlight win:

“People! Earth! I need to say something! Listen to me. I hope every one of you behind the screens or in this arena can feel this level of happiness, just one time in your life. I hope all of you can feel how f—-g happy I am, just one time in your life. But guess what, you will never feel this level of happiness if you don’t go for something in your own life – when they knock you down, when they try to s–t on you, when they talk s–t about you, and try and put their foot on your neck. If you stay down, you will never ever get that result. Fortify your mind and feel this level of happiness and let’s rise. One time your life, but I’m blessed to be able to feel that, again and again and again and again and again!”

Approximately six months after UFC 281, where Pereira KO’d Adesanya in the final round, the UFC matched them up again at UFC 287. This time, Adesanya came in with the intent to take revenge. ‘Izzy’ knocked out Pereira in spectacular fashion in the second round to reclaim the title. It was a war, but how does Adesanya feel about his victory against Pereira? Responding to Goggins’ praise, ‘Izzy’ emphasized that he loves the moment but doesn’t want himself to completely immerse in it: “I like to celebrate and embrace the energy of that moment, but then don’t bask in it too much. Just be in the present, notice everything, and speak from the heart.”

In the end, the ultramarathoner added, “You compartmentalized that whole f—–g moment. That’s what made it beautiful, man.” It was a redemption moment for Adesanya’s career. However, since his last victory against Pereira, he has yet to return to the win column. This has been a setback for him, but he already has his next opponent in mind.

Israel Adesanya calls out Sean Strickland for a rematch

After dealing with Alex Pereira, Israel Adesanya returned to the Octagon to face the outspoken Sean Strickland—marking the beginning of his career’s downward trajectory. Strickland outclassed Adesanya in the fight, shocking everyone and ultimately capturing the middleweight title. ‘Izzy’ took a year off from his career before coming back to clash against Dricus Du Plessis for the title the latter had won from Strickland. Adesanya was again defeated in that battle, and Du Plessis became the first person to submit the former two-time middleweight champion.

His defeat against Strickland started a chain of defeats for him, and Adesanya wants to change it. In his conversation with Goggins, the former two-time middleweight champion expressed his willingness to fight against his former foe Strickland. “I told Hunter [Campbell] already I told my coach here, it’s time. I know who, I have a feeling who I wanna fight. You’ll like this one. I can get some get-back: Sean Strickland,” said Adesanya.

Gogggins was astonished by the confession as he asked, “No! You’re going after him?” Responding to such confusion, Adesanya expressed, “He beat me fair and square in Sydney, five-nil. Just whooped my a– badly. That was one of the things what made me realize I need to slow down in my activity. I was fighting 3-4 a year as a champion. So I’m like, I’m gonna pull back now because I’m older…”

With his sights set on a comeback, Israel Adesanya is ready to return—but will the UFC CEO book him against a former foe? That remains to be seen. Regardless, what are your thoughts on his career? Share your opinion in the comments below.