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via Getty

via Getty

Mixed martial arts in New Zealand is on the rise. Spearheading this rise are two fighters named Israel Adesanya and Dan Hooker. ‘The Last Stylebender’ and ‘The Hangman’ are training partners and test each other to the best of their abilities. In a similar instance, fans can see the two fighters having a go at each other during one of their training sessions.

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In the video, the fighters were doing a ground and pound drill. Hooker chases down Adesanya as the latter goes into a turtle position. From there, Hooker landed multiple punches on Adesanya until the middleweight champion did not get up.

Further in the video, Adesanya went to the ground once again. Similar to before, while Adesanya rolled to give his back, Hooker again landed some wild shots. Even though this was a training session, it seemed like a real fight. Adesanya said to Hooker, “I would have smashed your face in. I would have smashed your f*****g face in.

Later on, fans saw Hooker on the ground as the current 185-pound champion landed damage. Adesanya threw some ground and pound while Hooker responded with both his fists and mouth. “You’re a b***h,” said Hooker to Adesanya.

Read More: 5 Things We Didn’t Know About Israel Adesanya

Witnessing this training session, there is no doubt why both fighters have done so well for themselves. These training sessions have developed skill and toughness in both fighters. However, Adesanya is not willing to display this skill against a former opponent.

Israel Adesanya is uninterested in a trilogy against Robert Whittaker

Israel Adesanya is the current king of the 185-pound division in the UFC. ‘The Last Stylebender’ won this crown against former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker. Since then, the duo fought one more time in which Adesanya won by a decision. While fans would love to see a third fight, Adesanya has shown no interest in it.

via Imago

‘The Last Stylebender’ was complimentary of Whittaker. He labeled ‘The Reaper’ as a great fighter. Adesanya said, “He’s a great fighter. I’ll give it to him. He’s a great fighter, but I know how that book ends. I’ve read that book twice already. First time was a quick read, second time was a little bit longer…That’s why I’m excited about this next fight, some new blood, someone I’ve never fought before.” 

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The 185-pound champion also suggested that Whittaker should consider moving to the 205-pound weight class. ‘The Last Stylebender’ said, “If he wants, he should go up to 205, see what that’s about. Maybe try that for a little bit. But yeah, I’ve read that book already, and I don’t like reading the same book over and over again.

This decision by Adesanya might leave fans wanting to see the trilogy disappointed. However, they will also hope to see a great fight when Adesanya takes on Jared Cannonier at UFC 276.

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Comment below and let us know your thoughts on Israel Adesanya facing Jared Cannonier.