Israel Adesanya Drops Bombshell About Rejecting Two Major Hollywood Blockbuster Opportunities

Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya talks about missing out on top Hollywood projects due to a busy fighting schedule.

Israel Adesanya Drops Bombshell About Rejecting Two Major Hollywood Blockbuster Opportunities

Israel Adesanya couldn't pursue acting due to fighting career (via Imago)

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Israel Adesanya was undoubtedly one of the most dominant champions in recent UFC history, defending his middleweight belt five straight times. He cleaned out his division with ease, defeating top contenders using elite striking and unmatched confidence inside the Octagon. Despite becoming a global superstar, Adesanya missed major opportunities to step into Hollywood and explore acting ventures.

Unlike other champions often criticized for inactivity, Adesanya always stayed active and never backed down from any challenge offered. He faced every opponent the UFC presented, even daring to move up and attempt to capture the light heavyweight title. In a recent YouTube interview, Adesanya admitted his packed fight schedule kept him from committing to major Hollywood opportunities.

While I’m fighting, if I decide to take, I don’t know, three months to go film a film. It would [expletive] my [schedule] up. While I was, especially on top, champion, defending my belt. I was like, nah…I had options for Black Panther 2. Creed 2 as well, that was another one. I turned it down. It was not because I didn’t wanna do it. I just knew I had to focus on the task at hand.

Israel Adesanya via his YT Channel

While Adesanya missed the chance to act in Black Panther, his fellow African and ex-champion Kamaru Usman did land a role. Historically, several UFC stars have crossed into Hollywood, including Georges St-Pierre, who appeared in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Former middleweight champion Michael Bisping has featured in multiple films and gained recognition for his growing presence as an actor.

UFC’s biggest superstar, Conor McGregor, made his Hollywood debut starring alongside Jake Gyllenhaal in an action-packed film. The former double champion reportedly earned the highest paycheck ever for a debut performance by an athlete-turned-actor in history. Recently, top heavyweight contender Ciryl Gane played the lead in a Netflix movie, which has already attracted millions of global views.

Known for his flamboyance and showmanship, Adesanya clearly has the charisma to succeed in a professional acting career. Although he missed earlier opportunities, now without the championship belt, he might shift focus toward Hollywood in the near future. However, the ‘Last Stylebender’ remains currently focused on training and preparing for his next UFC appearance.

Israel Adesanya wants his revenge on an old rival

Israel Adesanya’s downfall began after his devastating knockout loss to longtime rival Alex Pereira, which shook his championship aura. Despite exacting revenge on ‘Poatan’, he suffered a shocking defeat against Sean Strickland, where fans questioned his strategy and overall performance. His most recent losses to Dricus Du Plessis and Nassourdine Imavov have further damaged his reputation as a dominant force.

Israel Adesanya vs. Sean Strickland rematch
Israel Adesanya vs. Sean Strickland rematch (via X)

Now, fans across the MMA world are openly doubting Adesanya’s ability to make a successful comeback to glory. However, all this hasn’t broken Izzy’s confidence as he talked about fighting Strickland once again. During his recent visit to the UFC Hall of Fame ceremony, the fighter gave an update to the reporters.

I want to (fight Sean Strickland), but he’s busy at the moment with other stuff, so that’s him. But we’ll see. I’ll pick a fight this weekend.

Israel Adesanya told reporters during International Fight Week

Strickland lost his last title fight to Du Plessis in devastating fashion, leaving fans questioning his hunger and championship mindset. The defeat sparked major concerns about his preparation, especially after reports of a fallout with his longtime head coach emerged. Since then, Strickland has remained unusually silent, staying away from the media and giving no updates about his fighting future.

Adesanya also shared his prediction for the upcoming middleweight title fight between Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev. According to the veteran, DDP’s unpredictable style and stubborn pressure could be the key to defeating the relentless ‘Borz’ in battle. Fans are now intrigued to see whether Adesanya’s insights prove accurate in one of the year’s most anticipated title fights.

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