“Knock him out with my painted nails,” Israel Adesanya wants to end Sean Strickland with ‘knockout via frosted tips’

Israel Adesanya is determined to knock out Sean Strickland with his painted nails at UFC 293; terms Strickland an idiot

“Knock him out with my painted nails,” Israel Adesanya wants to end Sean Strickland with ‘knockout via frosted tips’

Israel Adesanya is determined to knock out Sean Strickland at UFC 293 ( Image via Imago )

Israel Adesanya is never one to let insults or boasts slide. As he gears up for UFC 293, he found himself in a heated exchange of words with rival Sean Strickland. The roots of this particular verbal sparring can be traced back to a fiery press conference clash dating in July 2022.

As the fight date approaches, Sean Strickland‘s rhetoric has reached new heights. Strickland mocked Adesanya’s championship demeanor. He had even poked fun at his occasional nail-painting habit. Adesanya, however, isn’t one to turn the other cheek. He openly criticized Strickland and labeled him an “idiot”. Adesanya expressed his determination to paint his nails and deliver the knockout blow. “… and I’m going to knock him out with my painted nails,” Adesanya told MMA Fighting.

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This is Israel Adesanya’s first title defense after claiming back the middleweight title from Alex Pereira at UFC 287. Adesanya acknowledged the inherent danger of underestimating an opponent like Strickland. Strickland has the freedom to adopt a fearless approach, doing whatever it takes to achieve the improbable. However, Adesanya remains committed to securing a dominant victory.

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Adesanya asserted that Strickland’s energy had already rubbed him the wrong way. He said that his focus is on his team and himself. Israel Adesanya addressed the controversial reputation of Sean Strickland stating that the way he conducts himself and his attempts to provoke Adesanya are clear indicators of his character.

Related: “You never go full…” – Israel Adesanya hilariously recalls Robert Downey Jr’s iconic line to troll Sean Strickland sparring against Alex Pereira

Israel Adesanya reacted to Sean Strickland’s latest training footage

Israel Adesanya Sean Strickland
Israel Adesanya reacts to Sean Strickland’s most recent sparring clip ( Image via Imago)

It’s not just the recent war of words that has fueled Adesanya’s disdain for Strickland. Past encounters backstage at a UFC event left a lasting negative impression on the champion.

Moreover, Adesanya took issue with Strickland’s preference for intense training sessions. Adesanya recently criticized Strickland for his sparring video that he posted on X ( previously known as Twitter). The video documented Strickland knocking out his sparring partner with a head kick.

With emotions running high, the anticipation is building for UFC 293. Fans can expect a showdown of epic proportions. Adesanya, with his painted nails and unwavering resolve to silence Strickland, is poised to make a statement in the Octagon later this September.

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