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Israel Adesanya, the undisputed UFC middleweight champion, sent a message from the American stand-up comedian Chris Rock through his Instagram account days after the Oscar controversy.

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An unusual incident happened at the 94th Academy awards function last month. American actor Will Smith slapped the award presenter Chris Rock after the latter made a joke about his wife, moments before winning the best actor award.

The news quickly made headlines and many UFC stars also reacted to it. Some slammed Smith for his action, while others were against the joke Rock made. Now the UFC champion Israel Adesanya has also reacted to it with a short message.

via Getty

‘The Last Stylebender’ took to his official Instagram account today and sent a message. He posted a clip from one of Rock’s stand-ups with a message emoji and posted it on his Instagram stories.

In the clip, the comedian said, Sometimes you are on tambourine. If you are on tambourine, play it right. Play it right! Play it with a f**king smile. Cuz nobody wants to see a mad tambourine play.”

Israel Adesanya pays tribute to an important figure from his childhood

‘The Last Stylebender’ recently posted pictures from childhood whilst paying tribute to ‘Nana Helen,’ who was an important figure in his life. The Nigerian-born fighter also revealed in the caption that Nana Helen was one of the people who welcomed him when he moved to New Zealand.

ALSO READ: 5 Things We Didn’t Know About Israel Adesanya

Adesanya also credited ‘Nana Helen’ for shaping him into the man he is today. He wrote in the caption, “A true pioneer in my legacy 💐 Not many people were welcoming to us when we moved to NZ.”

 

“One of the few that welcomed us into her and Robert’s home with love was Nana Helen. After 18 years she ain’t switched up, still as loving as ever and quick-witted with her words.” He added.

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“Listening to her tell tales from the past was a blessing. She reminded me of who I’ve always been. Cherish your elders and listen when they speak. They have a lot to say.” Adesanya concluded.

WATCH THIS STORY: Jon Jones, Kamaru Usman, Dana White, and Others From the MMA World Reacts to Will Smith-Chris Rock Oscars Incident

The middleweight champion is fresh from his recent title defense at UFC 271. He got called by the number two ranked middleweight fighter Jared Cannonier, who also won a fight on the same UFC 271 card.

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Interestingly, ‘The Last Stylebender’ has also confirmed in an interview that he will fight Cannonier next. Hence, this is the fight we might see next. However, the UFC is yet to confirm.

What are your thoughts about this fight? What do you think of Adesanya’s message? Let us know in the comments below.