“I signed my life away” – Israel Adesanya recounts the viral ‘I am ready to die’ moment against Kelvin Gastelum
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Israel Adesanya (L) recalls the moment he was ready to lay his life on the line versus Kelvin Gastelum (right, in green shorts)
Israel Adesanya faces off against Alex Pereira this weekend, and fans can expect to see the very best of the fighter, on full display.
Israel Adesanya came to the UFC as one of the most decorated kickboxers in the world, having previously won the King in the Ring championship thrice, and the Glory middleweight contender tournament. Hence, he had won almost everything apart from the Glory championship, which eluded him.
Him and UFC gold is a completely different story, however. It took him less than two years to have the interim middleweight championship wrapped around his waist – and, he did it in splendid fashion as well. For the interim belt, he took on top contender Kelvin Gastelum in a war for the ages. To this day, it is the only UFC fight in which Adesanya has been seriously hurt.
Additionally, it is in this fight that Adesanya really was able to mark his beginnings as a viral star. Before the buzzer for the 5th round had sounded, the middleweight champion could be seen saying the words, ‘I am prepared to die.‘
Recently, he spoke up about the viral moment. He said, “It’s the first I ever got rocked, and then I remember the arena erupting… he catches me, hits me on the head… and he took the round. I made the agreement with myself, I signed my life away, if this is how I go, this is how I go.”
Also Read- Was Israel Adesanya ever a kickboxing champion?
Israel Adesanya can potentially create more viral moments against his old foe Alex Pereira
Israel Adesanya has a 75-5 record in kickboxing, with two losses coming against new UFC entrée Alex Pereira. One of those losses came via a vicious knockout, wherein Adesanya even needed an oxygen mask to be brought back to his feet. A champion of his stature, no doubt, would like to get the humiliating loss back against the Brazilian.
Everything seems to be in the Nigerian-Kiwi’s court – MMA is now his turf, and he has shored up his wrestling as well. If Adesanya comes out with the intention to show the very best of exquisite striking, we might just see Israel Adesanya create another highlight reel. When and how that might happen, remains to be seen on fight night.
The two face off on the 12th of November, at MSG in New York, and the title swinging, either way, could create some much-needed movement in the division. Fans, experts and even Dana White is hyped for this main event!
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