Fans get ‘Tony Ferguson flashbacks’ as Israel Adesanya vomits during  training with David Goggins

Israel Adesanya trains with David Goggins to aim for redemption, only for the MMA community to get reminded about Tony Ferguson.

Fans get ‘Tony Ferguson flashbacks’ as Israel Adesanya vomits during  training with David Goggins

After Tony Ferguson, Israel Adesanya trains with David Goggins (via Imago/X)

Israel Adesanya is currently enduring a difficult phase, marked by setbacks that have impacted his overall professional momentum. Besides the disappointment of losing his UFC title, Adesanya has also suffered two consecutive losses that question his current trajectory. In pursuit of a powerful comeback, he has started training with intense discipline under motivational figure and endurance athlete David Goggins.

Adesanya recently uploaded a YouTube video showing his intense training collaboration with Goggins in full effect. The two athletes engaged in grueling endurance exercises that pushed their physical and mental boundaries far beyond Adesanya’s comfort zone. Eventually overwhelmed by the exertion, Adesanya was seen vomiting into a bucket while Goggins encouraged him with powerful motivational words.

You still wanna fight. You are gonna be a champ. Motherf**** thought this was a joke. Ain’t no game, bro. This is what it’s all about right here. 

David Goggins via Israel Adesanya’s YouTube channel 

This instantly reminded many fight fans of when former UFC interim lightweight champion Tony Ferguson trained with Goggins back in 2023. Ferguson teamed up with the endurance legend while preparing to face rising star Paddy Pimblett at the anticipated UFC 296 event. Riding a discouraging six-fight losing streak, Ferguson believed Goggins’ extreme methods could reignite his fire and competitive fighting spirit.

Ahead of the fight, Pimblett made sure to mock Ferguson for training with the army veteran, deeming it as a useless antics. On the fight night, Goggins was in Ferguson’s corner and even tried to motivate him in between the rounds. However, it didn’t really help the American fighter, who lost the bout via unanimous decision, getting outclassed by the Scouser.

Fight fans react to Israel Adesanya’s training video with David Goggins 

Israel Adesanya had a major opportunity for redemption at UFC 305 when he faced off against the surging contender Dricus Du Plessis. Although Adesanya entered the octagon with confidence, Du Plessis’ unorthodox pressure and relentless pace proved too much for him to handle. Overmatched and unable to adapt, Adesanya was ultimately dismantled and forced to lose the fight by submission.

Israel Adesanya's knockout loss against Nassourdine Imavov
Israel Adesanya’s knockout loss against Nassourdine Imavov (via X)

Earlier this year at UFC Saudi Arabia, Izzy went against young rising fighter Nassourdine Imavov. As many had expected, the popular fighter was lost the fight via TKO, shutting down his chances. Nevertheless,  here are some reactions to Adesanya’s training with David Goggins. 

As expected, there were many negative comments about the fighter training with Goggins. Many fans pointed out what happened with Tony Ferguson. Others mentioned that Izzy needs to work on his defense rather than his cardio.

Can Israel Adesanya make a potential comeback?

Israel Adesanya can still make a comeback, considering his experience, striking pedigree, and status as a former middleweight champion. The current middleweight division is led by Dricus Du Plessis, who claimed the title after defeating Sean Strickland. Newer top contenders include Khamzat Chimaev and Caio Borralho, both posing stylistic challenges for Adesanya’s return. 

Israel Adesanya's potential comeback
Israel Adesanya’s potential comeback (via X)

A rematch with Strickland or Robert Whittaker could serve as a realistic next step, depending on rankings and UFC matchmaking decisions. If Adesanya regains form, he could work toward another title shot, depending on future performances and the division’s evolution. UFC superstar Israel Adesanya vomits as he trains with David Goggins in order to make a much-needed comeback in the UFC.

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