The UFC universe was left in awe as Sean Strickland pulled off a shocking upset at UFC 293, dethroning Israel Adesanya as the middleweight champion. The underdog’s victory had everyone talking, including UFC CEO Dana White, who had some critical words about Adesanya’s performance. But it’s ‘The Stylebender’s silence after his title loss that has puzzled his fans for long.

But it seems like ‘Izzy’ has finally decided to break his silence. Losses can be heart-breaking even for the best of fighters, but Adesanya seems poised to bounce back even stronger than before. Recently, he gave an interview on his YouTube podcast, reflecting on the hardships he has had to face – in being arguably the most active UFC champion in UFC history. What does the former champion have to say about his loss?

Israel Adesanya reveals how being an “active champion” is taxing

Israel Adesanya recently sat down for an interview on his FREESTYLEBENDER podcast. His brother David, as usual, took over the role of the interviewer. Around the sixteen-minute mark, David Adesanya pitched an intriguing question to ‘The Stylebender.’ He quizzed, 

“Dana[White] said you looked slow and flat… A lot of people – the general consensus was that’s not Israel ‘The Last Stylebender’ Adesanya that they saw at UFC 293…Everyone praises you for being an active champion… How much of a toll does it take on you physically and mentally – going in there [in] back-to-back camps?”

Replying, ‘Izzy’ candidly admitted that being an active champion does take a toll on him. He stated, “It takes a toll. But again – like I said, I’m human. I understand what I have to do to get back to who I am. It’s funny as well… like you know, they chirp. They delight in my demise and what not.”

Read More: “We Were Walking on Eggshells” – Sean Strickland’s Dream Was in Jeopardy Before Israel Adesanya Fight Amid Trouble With Authorities Ahead of UFC 293 as Claimed by Insider

In a heartfelt reflection, he recognized that he’s only human and that returning to peak form requires dedication and effort. What struck Adesanya as intriguing was how people’s perceptions of him could change so drastically just based on one performance. Adding further, ‘Izzy’ said, “But it’s funny how they all said – ‘If I face that version of Israel – it’d be this, it’d be that. I’ll kill him in two rounds… It’s funny how my opponents say – if it’s that version of Israel, I might[beat him].”

‘Izzy’ reveals his approach to handling wins and losses

What’s more – Israel Adesanya also discussed his post-fight reactions. Moreover, he also revealed his approach to handling wins and losses. ‘The Stylebender’ emphasized the importance of taking his time and not rushing into reactions.

Presenting his POV on how he maneuvers through tough times like losses, ‘Izzy’ sheds light on his unique approach. He declared, “I like to take my time with things – I process things. Win or lose, I take my time. I have to take my time to just go through everything, [and] process everything. Yeah, I’m good with time – I’m good with patience.”

It seems that the former middleweight champ likes to give himself the space to process his emotions and experiences thoroughly. And why not? After all, this thoughtful and patient approach to his career and personal life has been one of his key strategies for success.

‘Izzy’s ability to maintain composure and focus on self-improvement, even after a loss, demonstrates his dedication to his craft and his determination to come back stronger. As he continues to recover and grow from his recent loss, ‘The Stylebender’s fans can expect to see him return to the octagon with a renewed sense of purpose and a hunger to reclaim his championship status. What do you think of this heartfelt self-reflection by Israel Adesanya? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!

Watch this story: Israel Adesanya Ranks Himself Above Michael Jordan in Pettiness