“Life or Death Situation”- Israel Adesanya’s “Prepared to Die” Mindset Against Kelvin Gastelum Resonates With UFC Star Ahead of His Fight at UFC 291

There are not many people in the UFC Conor McGregor gets along with, let alone likes. The Irishman, known for his loud mouth and stinging comebacks is not always the friendly sort. Which is why it takes someone special to be liked by McGregor.

And Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson is that special and pure soul, as evidenced by the fact that McGregor actually invited him to coach his team on The Ultimate Fighter. But, when he steps inside the Octagon, Thompson is ready to do what it takes and used Israel Adesanya as an example to explain his point.

Stephen Thompson talks about his mindset in a fight

Stephen Thompson is scheduled to fight Michel Pereira on the main card of Gaethje vs. Poirier 2 at UFC 291 this weekend. As the PPV approaches, the veteran welterweight sat down for an interview with Fight Fluency. Talking to them, he revealed he goes into every fight as a life-or-death situation.

It keeps him on his toes and helps him perform better than if he approached it as merely a sport. “I like going out there thinking of it as a life or death situation, you know. I think that’s what brings the best out of me,” Thompson said.

The 40-year-old illustrated his point with Israel Adesanya’s mindset in his grueling five-round middleweight title fight against Kelvin Gastelum at UFC 236. The Kiwi-Nigerian went on to win via unanimous decision, announcing himself as among the best in the world to the UFC universe.

Read More – “An Inspiration to the Upcoming Guys”: Weeks After Coaching Alongside “Friend” Conor McGregor, Stephen Thompson Opens Up on His Experience With the Irishman at TUF 31

Gastelum had battered Adesanya over the course of 4 rounds, wobbling him with a head kick and leaving the Kiwi with a swollen, bruised face. But, as Adesanya waited for the fifth round to begin, he told himself that he was willing to die in the Octagon than give up and lose to Gastelum. This had was a profound moment for the veteran who heaped praise on Adesanya’s mindset.

‘Wonderboy’ tips the hat to Israel Adesanya

‘Wonderboy’ explained that this mindset is exactly the mindset that he went into a fight with. “What was really cool and I can relate, and most fighters can relate (was) when Adesanya fought Kelvin Gastelum, and he said I’m prepared to die before he stepped out there… And then you have to put your mindset in that (mode), right? You have to put yourself there so yeah I can turn it on and off while I’m out there,” Thompson stated.

Wonderboy may be the nicest guy in the UFC. But, it is clear he turns it on when in the cage. This is one of the reasons for the 40-year-old being able to beat guys a decade younger than him. This weekend, the two-time title challenger will be stepping into the cage to prove it once more.

What do you think about Stephen Thompson’s comments? Do you think it helps, or is it overkill? Tell us in the comment section below.

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