“He’s DELUSIONAL” – Marvin Vettori RIPS into Middleweight champion Israel Adesanya at UFC Paris presser
Follow Us
Marvin Vettori (L) discusses Israel Adesanya (C) and Alex Pereira (R)
Marvin Vettori is on the rise yet again. After beating Paulo Costa last year, he has risen not only in the UFC’s rankings but also in the fans’ eyes.
In what was casually called ‘’weight-gate’’ (one of the many, in the UFC), Paulo Costa weighed in, bizarrely, at 215lb. whereas he should have, at 185lb. for the Middleweight bout. Clarifying later, Costa was struggling with a recently operated on the bicep, and thus, couldn’t make weight.
Vettori could’ve flatly turned down the fight, citing the frankly astonishing violation of the unified rules – however, in a display of showmanship, he let the bout continue at Catchweight, agreeing to fight a much bigger Costa. To top it off, “The Italian Dream” beat Costa.
The triumph over Costa won major props for Marvin Vettori in the fans’ eyes. However, since their fight in October, Vettori hasn’t fought – choosing to return to the octagon to face top-tier middleweight Robert Whittaker for the No.1 contender spot in June in Singapore, a fight that was canceled eventually.
The UFC has now managed to put the bout together once again, scheduled for UFC Paris this weekend, where hometown favorite Cyril Gane faces upcoming superstar Tai Tuivasa. Going into the fight, Whittaker is a moderate favorite at -215. Both of them are well-rounded fighters – so, at the end of the day, it will come down to skill and grit.
Related- Paulo Costa earned a measly $35k for an incredible 5-round fight against Marvin Vettori
“No Bullsh*t” – Marvin Vettori HEAPS PRAISE on middleweight title contender Alex Pereira
It is no secret that Israel Adesanya has lost some favor with the MMA community. Sure, he is still probably the best striker in the UFC. Albeit, his adoption of a more conservative style to win decision victories has not gone down well with either the top brass or those paying out of their pockets for the PPVs he fights in. Vettori, having lost twice to Adesanya already, has called for a new champion, in a bid to replace the boring style of Adesanya.
Not only that, the Italian fighter had some choice words for his Nigerian-Kiwi peer. Talking to the press today, he said that “He (Adesanya) is delusional… people left during his fight against Cannonier.” Vettori also showed disapproval towards Adesanya’s choice to sport painted nails.
Calling for a new champion, Vettori admonished praise upon title challenger Alex Pereira, saying that “I like Pereira more…the way he carries himself, the way he goes about fighting…no B.S.” As he admitted himself, his admiration for Pereira is also slightly biased by the fact that beating perennial No.1 contender Robert Whittaker in spectacular fashion could help Vettori mount a second run to capture the title, this time against Pereira (if he beats Adesanya.)
Unless something drastic happens, Vettori is unlikely to get a third fight against Israel Adesanya. In both their last outings, Vettori was beaten on a decision by Adesanya.
Among other things, Vettori acknowledged Sean Strickland as a good fighter, despite him being stunningly KOd by Alex Pereira at UFC 276 – this is coming from his own experience, as they have trained together.
Who do you think wins between Vettori and Whittaker? Also, do you think Vettori’s calls for a Pereira to be champion will be answered? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.
Also Read- UFC’s BMF Jorge Masvidal’s assault trial in the Colby Covington case is set for December 5
Stay Updated!
Udayan Mukherjee
(382 Articles Published)