“Fans are reason he gets paid” – Israel Adesanya’s distaste for fans asking for pictures in public interactions gets bashed by netizens

Israel Adesanya criticizes fans for prioritizing social media over respect for personal boundaries, reflecting on the pressures of being a high-profile athlete.

“Fans are reason he gets paid” – Israel Adesanya’s distaste for fans asking for pictures in public interactions gets bashed by netizens

Israel Adesanya (Image via: IMAGO)

MMA is the fastest-growing sport in the world. Conor McGregor is responsible for the fast growth of MMA due to his showmanship and performance. His fight with Khabib Nurmagomedov popularised the sport in the Middle East. Every MMA fighter is grateful for the support they get from the fans. However, a recent comment from former middleweight champion Israel Adesanya made headlines.

This was due to his remarks, which had a negative connotation about fans. In a recent interview, Adesanya spoke about what he felt when fans interrupted his personal space. This is what he said about it.

They (Fans) don't care. They just wanna get their picture put on their fucking social media with fucking twenty follower. 'Look I met the champ.' No. Let me have my moment.
Israel Adesanya on the fans
YouTube video

Adesanya’s comments did not go well with the MMA community. This is particularly after former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira urged fans to approach him. Adesanya has a contentious relationship with fans. On one hand, he has fans who support him to the fullest. On the other hand, people hate him but not for his skills as a fighter.

FS Video

Dana White recently announced Charles Oliveira vs Arman Tsarukyan for UFC 300. The fight will determine the number one contender at lightweight. Adesanya has not fought since he lost the title. However, rumors swirl of his return at UFC 300. Possible opponents are Alex Pereira at light heavyweight or Khamzat Chimaev at middleweight.

MMA Netizens react to Israel Adesanya’s controversial remarks

Israel Adesanya’s recent comments about fans did not go unnoticed by fans on social media. Some found his statement to be disrespectful whilst others found it to be honest and truthful.

Israel Adesanya
Israel Adesanya (via YouTube)

Nevertheless, the overwhelming sentiment was negative against Adesanya. The comments he made possibly increased his number of haters. See how MMA netizens reacted to Adesanya’s statement below.

https://twitter.com/Brexit442/status/1744110031396634717
https://twitter.com/Bon744625717241/status/1744145067487498450

Adesanya is one of the biggest PPV stars in the UFC, excluding Conor McGregor. He is also among the highest paid. His rivalry with Alex Pereira skyrocketed his and Pereira’s profile among the UFC fans. Even though he has a love-hate relationship with fans, fighters and fans alike highly anticipate the Nigerian-born New Zealand-raised ‘Last Stylebender.’

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