“Real Respect”-Fans React to Intimate Moment Shared Between ‘Archrivals’ Cageside at UFC 284

UFC star Israel Adesanya will endeavor once again to overcome his boogeyman Alex Pereira at UFC 287. After failing in his first two encounters in kickboxing, his recent endeavor cost him his UFC title. Since his last defeat at UFC 281, ‘The Last Stylebender’ took some time off to ponder the direction of his fighting career. However, the former UFC champion maintained his tradition of public appearances at UFC PPV events. Significantly, the cameras also found the middleweight fighter at the recently concluded UFC 284 as he appeared elated in the crowd. Despite the result going otherwise as he expected, the New Zealander made strides in his blooming friendship with his once rival, Robert Whittaker.

Notably, both the fighters found themselves in the embrace of each other instead of throwing fists. Both the middleweights found a common thread of connectivity, the support for the featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski, who moved up to challenge for the lightweight gold.

Israel Adesanya and Robert Whittaker’s unexpected friendship

Markedly, the former kickboxer took to Instagram to share some snippets of the recently concluded UFC 284. In one of the stories shared, the City Kickboxing team product posted a heartfelt moment that he shared with ‘The Reaper’.

Besides the embrace of the two former world champions, the music in the background also caught the attention of the fans. The 33-year-old chose to use Randy Newman’s You Got A Friend in Me, suggesting their newfound friendship.

Further, he captioned, “Me mate Rob”

Additionally, the Sydney resident also recently opened up about his growing liking of the 23-2 record holder at the UFC 284 press conference.

‘Bobby Knuckles’ faced Adesanya twice in the Octagon. The first they exchanged blows in the Octagon at UFC 243, the UFC title exchanged hands from the Australian fighter to the Auckland resident.

Read More: “The Way We Do Business Has to Change”: Israel Adesanya Backs Francis Ngannou Following Reports of New Stricter UFC Contract for Fighters

Whittaker, in his rematch at UFC 271, suffered a similar fate as he failed to secure the championship.

How did the fans react to the budding friendship between two UFC arch nemesis?

The fans expressed their respect for both prolific fighters as they set aside their differences.

One user commented, “I seen this from the stands was awesome to see the respect they have for each other.”

Israel Adesanya will face Alex Pereira at UFC 287 as the UFC middleweight title will be on the line on Apr 8.

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What do you think of this blooming friendship between the arch-nemesis Israel Adesanya and Robert Whittaker? Do you believe they will fight one more time inside the Octagon? Let us know in the comments below.