“They clap at other people’s demise,” Israel Adesanya could have suffered ‘tall poppy syndrome’ says Australian UFC fighter

Casey O'Neill suggested that Israel Adesanya might have faced 'tall poppy syndrome,' a term describing criticism and negativity toward successful individuals seen as too boastful.

“They clap at other people’s demise,” Israel Adesanya could have suffered ‘tall poppy syndrome’ says Australian UFC fighter

Israel Adesanya lost at UFC 293 (Image via Imago)

Israel Adesanya did not have the crowd support at UFC 293 to the surprise of many. Flyweight fighter Casey O’Neill attributed it to the ‘tall poppy syndrome’ which is actually a thing in the Oceanic region. In Australia and New Zealand, ‘tall poppy syndrome’ refers to the tendency to criticize individuals who are successful. This phenomenon is often described as ‘cutting down the tall poppy.’

Casey O’Neill moved from Scotland to Australia and claims both nationalities. “King” is a big admirer of Israel Adesanya and what he stands for. However, she described the mentality of people with ‘tall poppy syndrome’ by saying, “They clap at other people’s demise which is really sh*i. I’ve seen it and I’ve felt it” .The overwhelming support that Sean Strickland had in Adesanya’s presumed home territory surprised everyone. The pre-fight press conference and the fight itself were filled with cheers supporting the then-challenger. Casey O’Neill addressed the topic while speaking on the MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani.

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Israel Adesanya losing the title has opened up the middleweight division. Strickland is an unlikely champion but has a growing fan base. Videos on YouTube with interviews of Strickland have been making the rounds. Daniel Cormier had his most watched YouTube video with Strickland. Adesanya is one of the superstars of the UFC and Sean Strickland kind of has the anti-hero aura. Casey O’Neill is friends with both Strickland and Adesanya.

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O’Neill is currently nursing a hip injury that forced her out of her bout with Viviane Araujo at UFC 293. In her most recent bout, she lost a decision to Jennifer Maia at UFC 286. The Scottish-born Australian trains at Extreme Couture and was undefeated before UFC 286. The 25-year-old flyweight prospect is among the emerging crop of high-level fighters.

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When Casey O’Neill had her undefeated streak broken by Jennifer Maia at UFC 286

Casey O'Neill and Jennifer Maia

Casey O’Neill is one of the hot prospects in the flyweight division. She began her MMA career by becoming the strawweight champion at Eternal MMA promotion. O’Neill was 5-0 before signing with UFC. She made her UFC debut on February 20, 2021 against Shana Dobson. O’Neill won the bout via TKO. “King” followed it up with 3 more victories.

O’Neill lost for the first time in professional MMA against Jennifer Maia, a former title challenger against Valentina Shevchenko, at UFC 286. Maia showcased superior striking in the first two rounds putting O’Neill on the backfoot. A late surge by the Australian in the third round was not enough as Maia won a unanimous decision victory. After the victory, Maia accused O’Neill of greasing for the fight to which she replied that the Brazilian wrestling remained subpar.

“King” had an anti-hero phase when she fought Roxane Modafferi in her retirement fight. With the crowd overtly in favor of Modafferi, O’Neill dropped a lot of F-bombs on the crowd. It was surprising to see O’Neill turn a heel for Daniel Cormier who was the commentator at the event. O’Neill will likely fight next year after recovering from her injury.

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