WATCH: Israel Adesanya DEVASTATED as teammate Alexander Volkanovski gets brutally KO’d by Ilia Topuria

Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya reacts to Alexander Volkanovski's KO loss to Ilia Topuria.

WATCH: Israel Adesanya DEVASTATED as teammate Alexander Volkanovski gets brutally KO’d by Ilia Topuria

Israel Adesanya reacts to Alexander Volkanovski's loss to Ilia Topuria (via X)

The recent UFC 298 title bout did not go well for Alexander Volkanovski. Ilia Topuria knocked him in the second round. Volkanovski’s upset loss to the young Spaniard garnered a lot of reactions. A somber video recently emerged showing Israel Adesanya’s pained reaction to Volkanovski’s knockout loss. Adesanya’s anguished facial expressions speak volumes about how much the result devastated him.

The video showed Adesanya sitting on the couch watching the PPV on the TV. UFC lightweight Dan Hooker was also seen in the background. Adesanya initially was confident about Volkanovski’s ability to win. His facial expression changed to anguish as Ilia Topuria dropped Volkanovki. The last part of the video showed Adesanya cheering on a defeated Volkanovski. The video ended with scenes of them clapping in honor of ‘ The Great.’ 

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Volkanovski entered UFC 298 unbeaten in the featherweight division. But the 27-year-old Topuria ended Volkanovski’s dominant run in emphatic fashion. The upset had clearly stung Adesanya. He and Volkanovski had reigned simultaneously in the UFC. Now Volkanovski, as well as Adesanya remains without a belt.

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UFC 298 marked a somber night for Alexander Volkanovski. He already called for a rematch with Topuria. He will aim to regain his featherweight crown and resume his career as the featherweight king.

How are Israel Adesanya and Alexander Volkanovski connected?

UFC stars Israel Adesanya and Alexander Volkanovski have developed a close friendship over the years as teammates. The two train together at City Kickboxing in Auckland, New Zealand, and push each other daily. Their tight bond was evident in Adesanya’s pained reaction to Volkanovski’s recent KO loss.

How are Israel Adesanya and Alexander Volkanovski connected?
How are Israel Adesanya and Alexander Volkanovski connected? (via MMA Fighting)

Adesanya and Volkanovski first met at a Muay Thai gym in Thailand years back. They immediately hit it off and kept in touch after returning home. Adesanya eventually moved to New Zealand to advance his MMA career, and he joined City Kickboxing. Volkanovski was already training there, and this forged their relationship.

Since then, Adesanya and Volkanovski have become integral parts of each other’s careers. They help sharpen one another’s skills through intense training sessions. Both men have credited their teammates for elevating their abilities.

The two have also built a strong personal friendship beyond the gym. The mutual respect between the duo is clear. Though they reign in different weight classes, Adesanya and Volkanovski support each other fully. Adesanya and Volkanovski represent the tight-knit atmosphere at City Kickboxing in New Zealand. 

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