“Black outside, China inside” – When Nigerian Israel Adesanya ‘identified’ as Chinese man ahead of important kickboxing fight
During his kickboxing days in China, Israel Adesanya made his entrance with a Chinese flag. He called himself the Black Dragon.
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Israel Adesanya walked for fights with the Chinese flag during his days as a kickboxer (Image Courtesy - MMA Mania/iStock)
Israel Adesanya is on course to become the greatest middleweight fighter ever. He has only lost twice in his MMA career. There are very few fighters on the roster with Adesanya’s accolades. Most fight fans know about his allegiance to New Zealand and Nigeria. However, very few know about his special relationship with China. Those fans who followed Israel from his days as a kickboxer knows about his nickname, “The Black Dragon.”
Recently, Adesanya started beefing with South African fighter Dricus Du Plessis about his status as an African fighter. At the time, a video clip surfaced across social media where Adesanya referred to himself as the Black Dragon. Adesanya said, “I am the Black Dragon. I was born in Nigeria, I grew up in New Zealand, but I have lived in China. So, I have embraced the Chinese culture. Black outside, China inside, I am Chinese.”
Adesanya fought multiple times as a kickboxer in China. Israel Adesanya was initially brought into Chinese Kickboxing leagues to help local fighters. However, they did not acknowledge the high level of Adesanya’s skill set. Once they learned about Adesanya’s elite skill level, they signed him to represent China. Adesanya has held the Chinese flag on multiple occasions in his kickboxing days.
Adesanya was an exceptional kickboxer and only lost to elite competitions. His base in kickboxing helped him become an elite striking threat in the UFC. Adesanya improved his takedown defense to compete against the top competitors in the UFC. He will now face the winner of the Robert Whittaker vs. Dricus Du Plessis bout at UFC 290.
Israel Adesanya will challenge Khamzat Chimaev in the future
The middleweight champion Israel Adesanya will not challenge Khamzat Chimaev at the moment. Chimaev has yet to face top-ranked contenders in the middleweight division. Also, whether Chimaev will fight a middleweight in his next fight remains unknown. Adesanya liked the challenge of Chimaev but believes it could happen in the future.
Adesanya said, “Chimaev presents something unique that I’ve seen wrestlers before. It’s a big fight. That’s why I like that. Cheddar makes it better. But he’s got Kamaru, and after that is probably gonna go for the title if he wins. I’ve got bigger fish to fry. I’m gonna be there in July [for UFC 290], and I’mma see what’s up. Not with Rob, with Du Plessis.”
Chimaev could be the biggest challenge in Adesanya’s career. He brings a type of grappling skill, unlike anything Adesanya has ever seen. However, there are multiple obstacles to that fight at the moment.
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Nidhin Shibu
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