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November 9, 2022, New York, NY, New York, NY, United States: NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 9: Israel Adesanya Poses on stage after the press conference, PK, Pressekonferenz Ahead of his UFC Middleweight Title bout Saturday night at Madison Square Garden New York, NY United States – ZUMAp175 20221109_zsa_p175_009 Copyright: xMattxDaviesx
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/imago1018632940h-1.jpg?width=600)
via Imago
November 9, 2022, New York, NY, New York, NY, United States: NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 9: Israel Adesanya Poses on stage after the press conference, PK, Pressekonferenz Ahead of his UFC Middleweight Title bout Saturday night at Madison Square Garden New York, NY United States – ZUMAp175 20221109_zsa_p175_009 Copyright: xMattxDaviesx
The countdown for the highly anticipated Israel Adesanya vs. Sean Strickland match is ticking away rapidly. Both fighters have been engaged in an ugly war of words against each other even before the fight. Recently, Strickland mocked the champion by bringing up Adesanya’s deceased dog. This did not sit well with the champion who promised a grim fate for the challenger.
Sean Strickland is infamous for his fearless approach and choice of words. He is a captivating entertainer in addition to his fighting prowess. Recently Adesanya indulged in a conversation with the UFC where he stated how he was going to defeat the outspoken ‘Tarzan.’
Israel Adesanya’s Classy Response in the Face of Strickland’s Provocation
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The 34-year-old fighter has engaged in a continuous exchange of banter with ‘the Tarzan’. Both fighters have been unrelenting in hurling insults at each other. Even their press conference was a spectacle to watch. Strickland has been targeting Adesanya on various topics; however, he seemed to have crossed the line when he brought up ‘Izzy’s deceased dog during the banter and began hurling controversial insults at the middleweight champion.
In a recent interview with the UFC, when asked about the recent press conference and his fight with Strickland, Adesanya admitted that he could have gone low and deep in response to Strickland’s comments but chose not to. He acknowledged having smarter people around him who advised against stooping to Strickland’s level.
He further stated that he would go on John Wick mode against Strickland. Adesanya stated, “It doesn’t matter what happens there all that matters is the fight and he knows he’s outgunned and outmanned this one. So he’s going to try and stoop low and he went deep and the worst the thing he did was bring up a dead homie and I’m gonna go John Wick on this man.”
During the press conference, Strickland called out Adesanya for his past shenanigans, ranging from Chinaman banter to bringing controversial stuff about his deceased dog. ‘Tarzan’ was merciless during the press conference; however, ‘Izzy’ remained silent and calm, trying to ignore Strickland.
Intensifying verbal feud between Sean Strickland and Israel Adesanya ahead of their fight
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Sean Strickland has expressed his dislike for Israel Adesanya for various reasons, including his passion for watching anime, and his habit of painting his nails, among others. Recently, Strickland took to Twitter to share a video from MMA Guru that aimed to shed light on Adesanya’s relationship with his deceased dog. Strickland not only retweeted the video but also shared another tweet in which a fan posed an objectionable question about Adesanya and his dog.
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USA Today via Reuters
MMA: UFC 224- Zaleski dos Santos vs Strickland, May 12, 2018 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil Sean Strickland before a fight against Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos during UFC 224 at Jeunesse Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Silva-USA TODAY Sports, 12.05.2018 07:01:01, 10832675, MMA PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xJasonxSilvax 10832675
As the clock to the Israel Adesanya vs. Sean Strickland fight is ticking, tensions are soaring in between both fighters engaging in intense verbal battles. Strickland’s ruthless comments have taken the rivalry to a personal level. However, Adesanya seemed to be unfazed by anything as he maintained a calm composure.
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Who do you think will win in the exhilarating match-up? Do tell us in the comments below
Watch this story: Sean Strickland Gets Exposed in Israel Adesanya’s Rant as UFC Champ Reveals First Ever Interaction With Rival Ahead of UFC 293