UFC News: UFC Arica: Israel Adesanya hasn’t lost his charm despite getting knocked out for the middleweight belt against Alex Pereira at UFC 281. The former champion still considers himself one of the top-rated athletes and wants to see the UFC go to his home continent, Africa. For UFC News updates with InsideSport.IN
Before Israel Adesanya and Kamaru Usman lost their respective belts via stoppage, the African continent had three champions emerging from its land. UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou was also on that list and is currently the sole African-born champion in the promotion.
‘Izzy’ has already claimed to go for a rematch against Alex Pereira. Meanwhile, he also wants to be a part of the UFC Africa event. However, Israel Adesanya has spotted some factors that can curb the possibilities of UFC Africa.
Speaking with MMA Hour, Adesanya said, “F*** the belt. Come on, man. We’re us. It’s us. What we’ve done is still etched in history forever. There’s moments in history that will never, ever be — also, it’s not over.”
“But like I said, there’s moments in history that will never be captured again. That will never be replicated again, and I am very proud to say I was part of that. Or, I am part of that, because we’re still writing the book. This ain’t over. Game ain’t over. I thought it was game over, but I guess we put in the coin again and play again.”
The former middleweight champion added, “Too much greed, too much red tape, and too much corruption. But money talks, and the UFC has a lot of money. I’m being honest.”
“I love my people, but the government — my people are beautiful people, but the government can be corrupt. Very corrupt. If they see dollar signs, it’ll be, ‘OK, we need this and that.’ I don’t know how all that s*** works, but trust me. Growing up in Nigeria, money talks.”
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UFC Africa has been on Dana White’s radar for a long time. But the UFC President has failed to finalize a venue. There’s no denying that Africa is capable of producing several tough fighters and the UFC shouldn’t miss out on that. 2023 looks likely to be the year when we can expect the UFC to explore several nations.
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Israel Adesanya: When can ‘Last Stylebender’ return to the UFC?
Adesanya was medically suspended by the UFC after suffering a horrific TKO against ‘Poatan’ Pereira. He can return somewhere in mid-2023 and demand an immediate title shot. Israel Adesanya captured the middleweight crown in 2019 by knocking out Robert Whittaker. He defended the belt five times before losing against Pereira, which was also Izzy’s first loss in the UFC 185 lbs division.
Israel Adesanya: Ex-champ says ‘f*** the belt’ and points out the issues of hosting UFC Africa- ‘The government can be corrupt’
Following the defeat, Adesanya congratulated Pereira and vowed to get him back. It remains to be seen whether Israel Adesanya can actually get a win over Alex Pereira or end up losing again him for the fourth time in his overall combat career.
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