Israel Adesanya and Francis Ngannou bromance in Saudi Arabia makes UFC fans nostalgic
UFC superstar Israel Adesanya gets support from his old friend Francis Ngannou ahead of the UFC Saudi Arabia fight.
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Francis Ngannou backs his African brother Israel Adesanya ahead of UFC and Saudi Arabia (via X)
Israel Adesanya is ready to make his octagon return this Saturday against rising prospect Nassourdine Imavov. The fight will take place at the main event of UFC Saudi Arabia, and the hype around it is massive. Going into the clash, the former middleweight champion has high hopes and has the support of his African brother, Francis Ngannou.
The relationship between Adesanya and Ngannou goes back to the time when they used to rule UFC in their respective divisions. Their mutual love for their roots in Africa further strengthened their relationship. Ahead of the fight, the PFL heavyweight champion made sure to share a picture of Izzy with good wishes.
Adesanya definitely appreciated the support, and the bromance between both fighters caught the attention of fight fans. Many shared how they felt nostalgic after watching both the fighters together. Other than Izzy and Ngannou, former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman is also part of their ‘Three African Kings’ team.
My big brother!!! https://t.co/IvZU9RBASh
— Israel Adesanya (@stylebender) January 30, 2025
However, things have changed a lot since then with two of them losing their title reign. Francis Ngannou left the UFC, but managed to become the PFL champion. For Adesanya, picking up a win in the upcoming fight is incredibly important going forward.
Israel Adesanya has accepted his new role in the UFC middleweight division
Israel Adesanya dominated middleweight with elite striking, footwork, and takedown defense after winning the title in 2019. His victories over Robert Whittaker, Paulo Costa, and Marvin Vettori showcased exceptional distance control, dynamic movement, and precise counter-striking. Adesanya became a global UFC superstar, elevating the sport’s popularity while delivering highlight-reel finishes.
Adesanya’s decline started when Alex Pereira exposed his vulnerability, delivering a devastating knockout and seizing the middleweight title. Although he avenged that loss, an inconsistent performance and unexpected defeats have led to fans doubting his skills. However, the middleweight fighter has confidence in himself and has already accepted his new role as a division veteran.
I feel like the guy, like the old dog. And then there’s the young guys coming up trying to prove themselves. It’s my job to send them back down and let them know (I’m) still here.
Israel Adesanya via UFC Saudi Arabia Media Day
Now, up against Nassourdine Imavov, the fighter isn’t concerned and doesn’t think the Frenchman has something extraordinary. Izzy is ready to use his years of experience to dispatch his opponent and deliver a classic Adesanya moment. It would be interesting to see whether the ‘Last Stylebender’ still has the ability to hang with the best.
Related: Why does Israel Adesanya hate Monster Energy? Is there a villain in this UFC lore?
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Ameetosh Dash
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