“The Walk many Fear” The Undertaker applauds Israel Adesanya for pulling off an incredible entrance at UFC 276
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Adesanya paid tribute to Undertaker's iconic walkout at UFC 276
Undertaker was the stuff of nightmares as children for many who didn’t understand the concept of kayfabe and Israel Adesanya was one of those children. For his 5th title defense at UFC 276 against Jared Cannonier, the kiwi would walk out the iconic gong and the graveyard symphony that accompanies it. This was while Vince McMahon and other members of the WWE’s top family were in attendance for the first time.
Israel Adesanya has been known to put in considerable effort into his walkouts, something that helped boost his brand in the early days of his career. He’s performed dances, dressed up as anime villains, and even bought out a whole crew of dancers for his first undisputed title shot. This was the first time that he used a pro-wrestling theme for his walkout.
As soon as the gong hit, there was a considerable pop from the crowd. When Izzy appeared on the big screen as the symphony started, UFC Hall of Famer and broadcaster Daniel Cormier could do nothing but chuckle in amazement, exclaiming, “He’s walking out as the Undertaker. “ Carrying the urn and everything, stylebender stayed in character all the way up to the final inspection before entering the cage.
Related: Watch: Israel Adesanya thrilling walk out to the Undertaker’s iconic theme at UFC 276
The Undertaker congratulates Israel Adesanya on his UFC 276 Victory
The fight, however, did not go as planned for Adesanya, who was looking to make a statement like he did during his bout against Costa but had to settle with a low output decision victory. Keeping the mediocre striker, Cannonier at range the whole time, Izzy found little resistance if any sparing the third round where Jared managed to mount up some offense.
Today the deadman himself has risen and made time to acknowledge and congratulate Izzy on his homage and accomplishment. The Undertaker took to twitter where he said, “The long walk many opponents know and fear” Taker was iconic in his slow walkouts to the ring with the intensity growing with every step aided by pyro work and ominous lighting. Taker then congratulated the champion, with the Kiwi still left to respond.
Izzy however is not the only one to use pro-wrestling-themed walkouts in the UFC. More famously, Welterweight contender Colby Covington has adopted WWE’s Kurt Angle theme song, something that matches his outright patriotic personality. Angle was known to receive loud “You suck” chants from the audience in the symphony of his theme. This was carried over to Covington’s walkouts as well.
Also Read: “Whatever more curses”- Israel Adesanya reacts to breaking the Drake curse after rapper bet $1M
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Jerin Mathew
(713 Articles Published)