“I Have to Stand Out”- 4 Years After Advocating on Mental Health, Israel Adesanya Opens Up on “Coping Mechanisms” to “Fit In” for People

The recently released ‘Stylebender’ documentary gave fans a sneak peek into the life of crowd favorite Israel Adesanya. The documentary showcased not only his glorious moments and his quest to excel but also his shortcomings and vulnerabilities. Therefore, it perfectly documents the imperfect, but human, middleweight champion. While fans shower love on him, there was a time when the Nigerian-Kiwi fighter tried his best to fit in.

The 33-year-old, crippled from being a people pleaser, before eventually deciding to “stand out” as he realized he wasn’t meant to fit in. Further, he also came on better terms with his people-pleasing weakness. The root of these issues began with a coping mechanism from ‘The Last Stylebender’.

Israel Adesanya addresses his rarest, ugly head

In a conversation with Andrew Schulz on his podcast ‘Flagrant’, the middleweight kingpin candidly talked about being a people pleaser. Further, he disclosed his understanding of his weakness has evolved.

He said, “That’s the rarest, ugly head, once in a blue moon and I understand it now. So I’m able to like recognize it. Like, ‘ah I’m doing that sh*t again’. Then I pull it back.”

Furthermore, the Auckland resident mentioned his brother Paulie or Ike shadowed him because he was akin to a labrador or golden retriever whenever he got drunk. He considered everyone his friend in that state and also bought shots for them.

The 24-2 record holder divulged into the genesis of it which he thought stemmed from his want to be accepted. He stated, “I think it came from when I moved to New Zealand. It was a coping mechanism for people to like, to be accepted.”

Adesanya realized he wasn’t meant to fit in

This is not the first time when Adesanya opened up about his vulnerabilities. Around 4 years back, he informed his fans he sought therapy to pay attention to his mental health. He wrote in a tweet, “My life is changing fast I make sure I have to be faster and stay ahead of the wave.”

“Not everyone is mentally ill, but everyone should take care of their mental health,” he added later.

The former kickboxer told Schulz even if people didn’t like him, he still tried to fit in. He announced, “Even if people didn’t like me, I’d still try to fit in, try and please. And then eventually, I had to realize that nah, I wasn’t meant to fit in. I have to stand out.”

The MMA fighter has grown in understanding of what plagues him and has worked on those. Israel Adesanya is currently flirting with the idea of a potential match against the surging contender Dricus du Plessis after putting his rivalry with Alex Pereira behind.

Read More: Following ‘Stylebender’ Documentary Premiere, Israel Adesanya Promises Showcase of “Vulnerable” Side as Fans Join Celebration Over UFC Champ’s Story

What do you think of these statements by UFC champion Israel Adesanya? Do you believe the fighters should open up about their mental health issues to spread awareness? Let us know in the comments below.

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