“Mesmerizing, beautiful to watch,” Israel Adesanya AMAZED by the dominant striking display of Sean O’Malley at UFC 299

Israel Adesanya is impressed by Sean O'Malley's inventive striking and outstanding accuracy in his UFC 299 fight.

“Mesmerizing, beautiful to watch,” Israel Adesanya AMAZED by the dominant striking display of Sean O’Malley at UFC 299

Israel Adesanya was captivated by Sean O'Malley's creative striking (via Imago)

The UFC 299 card was one of the best cards of this year. Sean O’Malley vs. Marlon Vera headlined the card. O’Malley’s movement and skill mesmerized the MMA world. Israel Adesanya became an admirer after the dominant display. He marveled at the bantamweight king’s sublime striking skills against Marlon Vera.

Israel Adesanya shared his honest, real-time reactions immediately after the UFC 299 main event. This was on his YouTube channel, FREESTYLEBENDER. He tipped his hat to O’Malley’s mastery of the octagon. This is what he said about him:

[Sean O’Malley] Is just mesmerizing to watch, beautiful to watch. Pinpoint accuracy, striking. Yeah, he was able to do whatever he wanted standing right in front of him, moving off the center line.
Israel Adesanya via FREESTYLEBENDER
YouTube video

Adesanya himself is regarded as one of the best strikers in the UFC. The striking specialist loved how O’Malley used pinpoint accuracy and creativity to his advantage. He praised the champ’s footwork, movement, and ability to control the distance. O’Malley’s offensive versatility and well-rounded arsenal also didn’t escape Adesanya’s expert analysis. 

FS Video

Adesanya framed Sean O’Malley’s title-retaining effort as a masterclass in modern striking. He appreciated the 29-year-old’s complete performance from an elite practitioner’s viewpoint. Adesanya recognized the young champion’s talents and future potential.

Dricus Du Plessis wants to fight Israel Adesanya in Africa

Dricus Du Plessis captured the 185-pound strap by edging Sean Strickland via a split decision at UFC 297. He became one of the promotion’s few African-born champions in doing so. The historic achievement has only fueled Du Plessis’ desire to accomplish more. He’s targeting a showdown with Israel Adesanya in their native continent.

Dricus Du Plessis wants to fight Israel Adesanya in Africa
Dricus Du Plessis wants to fight Israel Adesanya in Africa (via MMA Weekly)

The 30-year-old believed hosting such a monumental event would hold great significance. ‘Stillknocks’ believed the significance would benefit not just himself and Adesanya but also the entire African MMA landscape. He asked the UFC brass to make UFC Africa happen. DDP wanted to fight Israel Adesanya in Africa.

Despite the rivalry, Du Plessis refused to undermine Adesanya’s considerable fighting credentials and skills. Du Plessis aimed to headline the Africa event against Adesanya. However, if that was delayed, he would like to stay active.

The South African champion felt that two more bouts were enough before getting the Adesanya showdown. An Africa-based pay-per-view between Du Plessis and Adesanya could become a landmark spectacle. It would provide global mainstream exposure while elevating MMA’s growth across an entire continent.

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