‘StyleBender’ Israel Adesanya talks about admiring MVP’s style ahead of UFC Saudi Arabia: “The way you flow…”
Israel Adesanya talks about admiring the style of Michael "Venom" Page ahead of UFC Saudi Arabia event at ANB Arena in Riyadh.
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UFC Saudi Arabia event headliner Israel Adesanya finds similarities with Michael "Venom" Page (Source: X/IMAGO)
Israel Adesanya and Michael “Venom” Page are two very similar fighters in more ways than one. Both are proficient in spatial management and pocket-striking, although Page is more a point-striker. It’s no surprise then that Izzy is an easy admirer of ‘MVP.’ While ‘Last Stylebender’ takes on Nassourdine Imavov, ‘MVP’ will face Shara Magomedov at UFC Saudi Arabia.
It’s a season of reunions and meeting peers in a new scope. Former two-time UFC 185-pound champ Israel Adesanya recently went viral with Robert Whittaker. He also met up with old friend Francis Ngannou ahead of UFC Saudi Arabia media availability. The Kiwi-Nigerian also squeezed in a few moments with Michael “Venom” Page.
His first MMA fight where he did the tornado kick and just stood there…That was the one. I was like, ‘Oh sh*t, who’s this guy?’ And from then, I’ve just been a fan your style and I’ve always been a fan of the way you flow. The sideways stance, the hop, cause I was fighting that way in kickboxing as well.
Israel Adesanya on his Official Youtube Channel FREESTYLEBENDER (@FreeStylebender)
The two later checked out the WWE Experience at #Riyadh Season before their UFC Saudi Arabia open workouts. They also took part in a joint interview on Adesanya’s official YouTube page. Adesanya heaped praises on Page, detailing his debut MMA matchup over Ben Dishman. Page (22-3 MMA, 17-2 BMMA, and 1-1 UFC) last faced a wrestle-heavy offensive slump to Ian Garry.
Both Adesanya and ‘MVP’ were former kickboxers who parlayed their elite striking skills. Adesanya captured the UFC middleweight title and even made several defenses en route to a stellar 185-pound career. The duo share other interests other than technical striking.
Much like Adesanya, Michael “Venom” Page is pop-culturally enriched. He even donned Marvel’s ‘Infinity Gauntlet’ to snap out doubt after a win! This was an all-star get-together. The duo both had Undertaker-themed entrances as well!
Israel Adesanya reflects on his iconic performance at UFC 243 ahead of his title fight with Robert Whittaker
Speaking of entrances, both Michael “Venom” Page and Adesanya had a few iconic ones. Israel Adesanya’s UFC 276 entrance was one to behold. ‘MVP’ had a similar walkout at UFC 299 PPV, entering to the likeness of the ‘Ministry of Darkness’ incarnation. But before he could run, “Stylebender” leaped and did a breakdance routine, way before that!
UFC 243 was one of the highs of Israel Adesanya’s career. The first was a one-of-a-kind entrance, along with a breakdancing group. Then, he punctuated his theatrics by “style bending” on then middleweight champion Robert Whittaker. It’s something he is still proud of.
People don’t understand how hard it is, cause look, I did the walkout, [UFC] 243 with Robert [Whittaker] and people were like, ‘I don’t know how you do that before the fight.’ I was, like, on my way up I wanted to make sure I expressed myself authentically. So that way, those who gravitated towards you, those who are fans of dancing or anime or whatever, they feel like, yeah, they’re like, ‘I see one of myselves or one of us up there being a bad*ss.’
Israel Adesanya further said
UFC 243 was Adesanya’s magnum opus. He sniped the “Reaper” and snagged the undisputed middleweight title. UFC Saudi Arabia marks a non-title mark for him in almost six years, but he’ll be keeping to the same amount of drive. per Draftkings Sportbooks money odds, Adesanya props at a moderate -175.
Related: Israel Adesanya’s girlfriend: Know all about The Last Stylebender’s relationships
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