Israel Adesanya, a renowned UFC middleweight champion, emphasizes moving past animosity with former opponents, valuing personal growth and gratitude over holding grudges, as he focuses on future opportunities and cherishes his career-defining moments.
Israel Adesanya just doesn’t have time for unnecessary drama. Inside the octagon, he’s a fierce competitor and one of UFC’s greatest middleweight champions. Yet, he harbors no animosity toward past opponents, regardless of fight outcomes.
Recently, Adesanya added Robert Whittaker to his training partners and sat next to Alex Pereira at UFC 312 in Australia. He fought both Pereira and Whittaker six times across two sports but prefers to see them as allies now.
“With all these guys, what’s hating Alex or hating Rob or anyone else do for me?” Adesanya mused during UFC 312. “It doesn’t serve me. It’s just poisoning myself. Why hold onto hate?”
Despite Pereira’s three wins against him before their fourth UFC clash, Adesanya insists he wasn’t haunted by that matchup. Interestingly, Pereira joined the UFC seeking to renew their rivalry after a successful kickboxing career.
“I told Alex before — this is fighting, be a man about it,” Adesanya said. “You beat me in Brazil; fair one, cool. You chased me. That’s your problem.”
The same attitude applies to his recent bout with Nassourdine Imavov, who knocked him out in the second round at UFC Saudi Arabia. While aiming for victory, Adesanya holds no grudges against Imavov for winning.
“People ask about an Imavov rematch. I’m like why?” Adesanya questioned. “No need unless it’s for the belt someday. Fighting isn’t about revenge unless there’s real beef.”
Adesanya plans to take time off before deciding on his next fight, focusing on recovery post-loss. He was surprised when UFC announced his induction into the Hall of Fame for his iconic fight with Kelvin Gastelum in 2019.
Grateful for the acknowledgment, Adesanya reflects on making history even in defeat. “I wouldn’t change anything,” he stated. “Each moment counts, win or lose.”
He’s thankful he wasn’t injured and grateful for family support during fights. “People expect you to react like them, but they don’t understand,” he noted. “I’m grateful for every moment.”