UFC Legend Gives His Two Cents on “True Fighter” Israel Adesanya Calling Him “The Most Successful Champion” Ahead of UFC 287 Matchup Against Alex Pereira

UFC 287  promises one of the most entertaining cards of this year with a stacked lineup that serves as an exhibition of the immense talent the promotion currently has. With the presence of Jorge Masvidal, Gilbert Burns, and Kevin Holland among many others, fans will get to experience a true banger of an event in Miami. But it’s the main event between Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira that promises to be the biggest crowd-puller in terms of the sheer gravity of the fight. Heading into the crucial rematch is ‘Stylebender’, who will be aiming to turn the tide around in what will be the fourth time facing the Brazilian in his combat career. Having lost to Pereira thrice, the former champ clearly understands the significance of the fight and how a win or loss here could define the future of his MMA career.

Speaking about the rematch and Adesanya’s reign as the middleweight champ, a former UFC fighter and Hall of Famer shared his feelings in a very honest assessment of the New Zealander. Although what goes down during the fight cannot be precisely predicted, this legend’s honest take on Adesanya will surely ring a bell with many of the fans.

Former UFC champ talks about Israel Adesanya’s championship reign

Former middleweight champ Michael Bisping‘s latest upload on his YouTube channel gave fans the opportunity to look at the UFC 287 main event from the perspective of a fighter and a champion. Speaking about Adesanya, the respect that ‘The Count’ felt for the 33-year-old was quite evident; as he dubbed him, one of the most active champions to have graced the sport.

“I’ve said many times, I really respect Israel Adesanya for taking this fight. He could have took some time off, he could have rested on his laurels, he could have gone on holiday, spent some money because he’s earned bloody loads of it and he’s been a very very active Champion; fighting something like every three months, which is just ridiculous.” Bisping expressed.

‘Stylebender’ indeed was one of the most active champions. He successfully defended his title five times till he lost it to Pereira, going on to show how, in an age of champions who prefer big-money fights, he instead chose to cement his legacy in the sport.

Stating his respect for Adesanya, Bisping says, “Probably the busiest, most active, and one of the most successful champions that the UFC has ever seen.” But Bisping also follows it up with the fact that past performances cannot be taken into account anymore, especially when facing someone who’s already beaten him prior. “However, none of that matters. He lost the fight, but he’s going to step back in there once again,” he claimed.

Michael Bisping dubs Israel Adesanya a “true fighter”

Continuing his show of respect for the New Zealander, Bisping dubbed him a true fighter for stepping back into the cage with Pereira yet again.

 “Israel has my respect for that he really does. I mean that is a true fighter, wants to get back in there, hasn’t beaten him once, not twice, three times, and finished him twice, but still wants to get back in there once again. If that doesn’t command your respect, then I don’t know what does.” he stated.

The UFC Hall of Famer does have a point with his assessment here. The fact that Adesanya, despite having lost thrice earlier to the Brazilian, didn’t show any hesitation in accepting the rematch proved his confidence in himself as a fighter.

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Ultimately, sharing Bisping’s sentiments, the past doesn’t really matter anymore. As fans, all we can do is wait for UFC 287 to find out if ‘Stylebender’ has finally figured out how to overcome his biggest Kryptonite in Alex Pereira.

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