For some fans, the rivalry between Alex Poatan and Israel Adesanya, who started four fights, became one of the most memorable in the history of combat sports. But, the Nigerian, winner of the last duel held in 2023, in Florida (USA), indicates that appearances can be deceiving, that is, that the relationship with the Brazilian is not hostile as many think.
It’s true that, in the pre-fight, Adesanya and ‘Poatan’ really provoke each other and, in the ring or in the Octagon, they stage epic confrontations. However, according to the former middleweight (84 kg) champion of UFCthe rivalry with the league’s light heavyweight (93 kg) leader exists only on a professional level.
So much so that the Nigerian makes a point of exalting his main antagonist in combat sports. In fact, this was not the first time that the athlete expressed his respect for the Brazilian.
“I like Poatan. They are the Poatards (Poatan fans). They are…, as always. I respect Poatan. He’s a special fighter, he’s a special human being. What he did in this game, in the fight and in life too, I will always respect him. I am grateful for these moments because, for me, they taught me a lot about myself and how far I can go”, declared the former champion of UFCin an interview with the YouTube channel ‘MightyCast’.
Israel Adesanya, 34, is one of the biggest and best fighters in the world. MMA of current times. The former middleweight champion debuted in UFC in 2018 and defended the category title on five occasions.
In sport, the Nigerian built a record consisting of 24 wins and three defeats. His main triumphs were over Alex PoatanAnderson Silva, Brad Tavares, Derek Brunson, Jared Cannonier, Kelvin Gastelum, Marvin Vettori (twice), Paulo ‘Borrachinha’, Robert Whittaker (twice) and Yoel Romero.
