https://www.scmp.com/rss/502562/feed Israel Adesanya is a former kick-boxer and current MMA fighter with UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship). en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Israel Adesanya is known just as much for his flashy walkouts to the UFC Octagon as he is for his flashy moves inside it. And “The Last Stylebender” did not disappoint on Saturday night, when he headed to the cage for his UFC 276 middleweight title defence against Jared Cannonier dressed as The Undertaker – with the WWE legend’s iconic theme music playing through the T-Mobile Arena to boot. It proved to be the most exiting part of the main event, with Adesanya picking up a dominant – if dull –... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3183962/ufc-276-israel-adesanya-explains-wwe-inspired?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3183962/ufc-276-israel-adesanya-explains-wwe-inspired?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 03 Jul 2022 09:23:55 +0000 Israel Adesanya and Alexander Volkanovski are full of confidence ahead of their title defences at UFC 276 this Saturday night in Las Vegas. New Zealand’s Adesanya, 32, holds the promotion’s middleweight title, while the 33-year-old Australian Volkanovski is the featherweight champion. The pair have trained together extensively at City Kickboxing in Auckland over the years, but Saturday will mark the first time they have co-headlined a UFC card together. The two champions, both ranked among the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3183678/ufc-276-israel-adesanya-alexander-volkanovski?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3183678/ufc-276-israel-adesanya-alexander-volkanovski?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 30 Jun 2022 12:45:19 +0000 UFC champion Israel Adesanya is widely considered the best middleweight fighter on the planet, but ONE Championship middleweight king Reinier de Ridder begs to differ. “I’m very confident that I would squeeze his head off,” the Dutchman, who also holds ONE’s light heavyweight title, told the Post this week. De Ridder (15-0) was back in action at ONE: Full Circle last Friday in Singapore, where he defended his middleweight title with a third-round submission victory against the welterweight champ... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3169013/one-championship-reinier-de-ridder-says-he?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3169013/one-championship-reinier-de-ridder-says-he?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 02 Mar 2022 19:34:52 +0000 Israel Adesanya is still the UFC middleweight champion, but Robert Whittaker believes that title should be his. Adesanya, 32, and Whittaker, 31, met in the main event of UFC 271 on Saturday night in Houston, Texas. It was the pair’s second meeting after Adesanya knocked the Australian out to win the title in 2019. This time around, Adesanya defended the title with a unanimous decision victory. “[Beating me is] easier said than done, even if you’ve already been in there with me before,” the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3166871/ufc-271-israel-adesanya-defends-his-decision?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3166871/ufc-271-israel-adesanya-defends-his-decision?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 13 Feb 2022 09:07:18 +0000 Former UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping believes Israel Adesanya and Kamaru Usman have no excuse not to fight. Adesanya, who was born in Nigeria and now lives in New Zealand, is the reigning middleweight king. The 32-year-old won the title with a second-round knockout of Robert Whittaker in 2019, and after successful defences against Yoel Romero, Paulo Costa and Marvin Vettori, will look for a second win over Whittaker at UFC 271 on February 11 in Houston, Texas. The 34-year-old Usman,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3165752/ufc-bisping-calls-israel-adesanya-vs-kamaru?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3165752/ufc-bisping-calls-israel-adesanya-vs-kamaru?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 03 Feb 2022 16:09:57 +0000 UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya is expected to attempt his fourth title defence at UFC 271 on February 12, and standing across the cage will be a familiar face: the division’s former champion, Australia’s Robert Whittaker. MMA Fighting was first to report this compelling middleweight title rematch, citing multiple sources and noting that contracts are not yet signed. Adesanya and Whittaker first met at UFC 243 in October 2019. On that night, Adesanya picked up a second-round knockout... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3155834/israel-adesanya-against-robert-whittaker?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3155834/israel-adesanya-against-robert-whittaker?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 12 Nov 2021 07:19:02 +0000 Henry Cejudo, the former UFC flyweight and bantamweight champion, believes Kamaru Usman must put personal feelings aside and seek out a fight with his fellow Nigerian Israel Adesanya. Usman, the UFC welterweight champion, is arguably the most dominant fighter in MMA at present, and the promotion‘s No 1-ranked pound-for-pound fighter. After Usman’s latest victory, a hard-fought decision win over Colby Covington at UFC 268 last Saturday in New York, Cejudo believes the 34-year-old welterweight... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3155502/ufc-henry-cejudo-wants-kamaru-usman-vs-israel?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3155502/ufc-henry-cejudo-wants-kamaru-usman-vs-israel?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 10 Nov 2021 04:15:05 +0000 Alex Pereira may not have mentioned Israel Adesanya’s name after his stunning promotional debut at UFC 268 on Saturday night in New York, but he didn’t need to. The former Glory Kickboxing two-weight champion caught his old rival’s attention with a flying knee KO of Andreas Michailidis that had commentator Joe Rogan gushing after the featured prelim bout at Madison Square Garden. The finish came just 18 seconds into the second round, after the Greek “Spartan” had tried to nullify the Brazilian... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3155461/ufc-israel-adesanya-sends-message-alex?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3155461/ufc-israel-adesanya-sends-message-alex?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 09 Nov 2021 14:04:47 +0000 Kamaru Usman and Israel Adesanya are two of the most dominant champions in the UFC today, but don‘t expect to see the Nigerian-born stars locked in the Octagon together any time soon. The 34-year-old Usman, the promotion‘s welterweight champion, registered his fifth successful title defence in the main event of Saturday night’s UFC 268 card in New York City, defeating Colby Covington by unanimous decision. The unanimous decision created renewed clamour for the UFC’s pound-for-pound No 1 to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3155261/ufc-268-kamaru-usman-wont-fight-israel?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3155261/ufc-268-kamaru-usman-wont-fight-israel?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 08 Nov 2021 06:34:17 +0000 Alex Pereira knows his name will forever be linked with Israel Adesanya – but don’t think that he’s obsessed with hunting down “The Last Stylebender” in mixed martial arts. After dabbling in the sport in his home country of Brazil five years ago, the 34-year-old kickboxing legend restarted his MMA journey last November with a thunderous first-round, left-hook knockout of Thomas Powell at LFA 95. A couple more kickboxing bouts later, and the former two-weight Glory champion has now finally... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3154863/ufc-268-alex-pereira-came-here-be-champ-not?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3154863/ufc-268-alex-pereira-came-here-be-champ-not?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 04 Nov 2021 09:51:57 +0000 Dana White said he and reigning middleweight champion Israel Adesanya are already talking about his next fight with former champion Robert Whittaker. “The Last Stylebender” Adesanya (21-1) successfully defended his belt against Marvin Vettori (17-4-1) via unanimous decision at UFC 263 on Saturday night – his third defence since taking the title from Whittaker (23-5) via second-round TKO in Melbourne, Australia in 2019. “Vettori is a tank, man, he’s so tough and durable. The amount of leg kicks... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3137157/ufc-263-dana-white-wants-israel-adesanya-vs?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3137157/ufc-263-dana-white-wants-israel-adesanya-vs?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 13 Jun 2021 12:12:48 +0000 Israel Adesanya and Marvin Vettori are fired up for their big title fight rematch, and that’s putting it mildly. Thursday’s UFC 263 pre-fight press conference in Phoenix’s Arizona Federal Theater saw the middleweight elites take centre stage. They were side by side with flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo, Brandon Moreno, Leon Edwards and the ever-popular Nate Diaz, but there was no outshining the main event. There was consistent back and forth banter between the champion and challenger that... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3136953/ufc-263-israel-adesanya-all-fired-which-could?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3136953/ufc-263-israel-adesanya-all-fired-which-could?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 11 Jun 2021 08:47:01 +0000 Sixteen months ago and Israel “The Last Stylebender” Adesanya was on top of the mixed martial arts world. The Nigeria-born, New Zealand native was fresh off a resounding victory over Paolo Costa, a fight the Brazilian seems like he may never recover from. Adesanya, long seen as the skinny kid, took on a muscle-bulging, physical specimen, and put on an absolute clinic. Not only did he beat Costa, by the end it looked like he was assaulting him. After the fight at UFC 253 in September of 2020,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3136613/ufc-263-israel-adesanyas-legacy-firmly-line?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3136613/ufc-263-israel-adesanyas-legacy-firmly-line?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 09 Jun 2021 12:00:00 +0000 Chris Weidman believes Israel Adesanya will be facing “a different Robert Whittaker” if they do rematch for the UFC middleweight title, but the American also feels he has the tools to beat the champion. No 1-ranked Whittaker (24-5) warned “The Last Stylebender” (20-1) that “I’ve got some tricks you haven’t seen” after a masterclass against Kelvin Gastelum last weekend in Las Vegas. Former champ Weidman (15-5) fancies his own chances against Adesanya, as the 36-year-old looks to continue his... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3130425/ufc-chris-weidman-loves-israel-adesanya-fight?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3130425/ufc-chris-weidman-loves-israel-adesanya-fight?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 21 Apr 2021 06:49:54 +0000 UFC middleweight contender Marvin Vettori called for a rematch with champion Israel Adesanya after dominating Kevin Holland at UFC Vegas 23 on Saturday. The 27-year-old Italian (17-3-1), who beat late replacement Holland (21-7) via unanimous decision after securing a record-high 11 takedowns in a UFC middleweight fight, wanted an invitation from president Dana White to attend next week’s card headlined by former champion Robert Whittaker (23-5) and The Ultimate Fighter winner Kelvin Gastelum... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3129084/ufc-marvin-vettori-demands-israel-adesanya?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3129084/ufc-marvin-vettori-demands-israel-adesanya?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 11 Apr 2021 04:04:37 +0000 Derek Brunson returns to action this weekend in the UFC Vegas 22 main event against Kevin Holland as he looks to press his claims for a top-five contender and a title shot in 2021. And he feels if he does run into UFC middleweight champ Israel Adesanya again, things will go very differently. “The Last Stylebender” (20-1) knocked American Brunson (21-7) out with nine seconds left in the first round at UFC 230 in 2018, on his meteoric rise to the 185-pound throne. But the Nigerian-Kiwi tasted his... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3125976/ufc-derek-brunson-sees-victory-israel?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3125976/ufc-derek-brunson-sees-victory-israel?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 18 Mar 2021 08:55:13 +0000 Other than seeing his “0” finally go, the previously-undefeated Israel Adesanya didn’t lose a hell of a lot in his unanimous decision defeat by Jan Blachowicz last weekend. But he certainly didn’t gain much either. Confusing judges’ scorecards aside, the main event at UFC 259 for the light heavyweight belt was a razor thin win for Blachowicz (28-8). Three takedowns was enough for the judges to give the 38-year-old Pole the victory in a fight that saw limited stand-up activity from both... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/article/3125007/ufc-israel-adesanyas-big-gamble-failed-pay-and-gives-jon-jones?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/article/3125007/ufc-israel-adesanyas-big-gamble-failed-pay-and-gives-jon-jones?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 11 Mar 2021 14:00:11 +0000 UFC president Dana White paid full respect to Jan Blachowicz for retaining his light heavyweight title against Israel Adesanya, but was baffled by some of the judges’ scoring. In particular, two 49-45 scorecards for Saturday night’s UFC 259 main event at the Apex facility. “The scoring was insane, these guys were giving out 10-8 rounds like they were [expletive] … there were two rounds in that fight that they gave a 10-8. When I came up in the fight business, a 10-8 was an ass whipping,” White... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3124458/ufc-259-dana-white-blasts-insane-judges-10-8?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3124458/ufc-259-dana-white-blasts-insane-judges-10-8?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 07 Mar 2021 14:23:33 +0000 It didn’t take long for Jon Jones to start trolling Israel Adesanya after “The Last Stylebender” suffered the first loss of his professional MMA career. In fact, “Bones” even got the party started during light heavyweight champ Jan Blachowicz’s unanimous decision win in the UFC 259 main event on Saturday night in Las Vegas. “December is going to be great,” former 205-pound king Jones wrote on Twitter while the fight was still going on, with the 38-year-old Pole starting to dominate the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3124454/ufc-259-jon-jones-trolls-israel-adesanya?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3124454/ufc-259-jon-jones-trolls-israel-adesanya?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 07 Mar 2021 13:30:07 +0000 Israel Adesanya’s bid to become just the fifth UFC fighter to hold two titles simultaneously was halted by Jan Blachowicz, who utilised his wrestling to perfection to retain the light heavyweight title in the UFC 259 main event. With middleweight champ Adesanya weighing in a few pounds under the limit, having opted not to bulk up for this bout, Blachowicz’s size advantage was always going to be a factor. And the 38-year-old Pole smothered Adesanya on the ground for the final two rounds to secure... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3124424/ufc-259-jan-blachowicz-uses-wrestling-hand?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3124424/ufc-259-jan-blachowicz-uses-wrestling-hand?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 07 Mar 2021 06:45:12 +0000 Jan Blachowicz will delay his move up to heavyweight – unless the UFC comes with a deal he cannot refuse. After winning the vacant light heavyweight title at UFC 253 last September in Abu Dhabi via second-round knockout over Dominick Reyes, Blachowicz (27-8) has been continuously fielding questions about chasing Jon Jones up a division. This weekend at UFC 259 in Las Vegas, the “Prince of Cieszyn” defends his title for the first time against middleweight champion Israel Adesanya. The picture is... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3124246/ufc-259-jan-blachowicz-open-quick-heavyweight?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3124246/ufc-259-jan-blachowicz-open-quick-heavyweight?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 05 Mar 2021 08:59:31 +0000 With UFC 259 set to go down in Las Vegas at the promotion’s Apex facility on Saturday night, middleweight kingpin Israel Adesanya has a shot at becoming a dual-division champion. And if he does defeat light heavyweight champ Jan Blachowicz, “The Last Stylebender” could have a chance of headlining the first UFC event back in front of a full crowd, after Texas Governor Greg Abbott this week lifted the state’s Covid-19 mask mandate, allowing businesses to resume at 100 per cent capacity. “If he... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3124191/ufc-259-dana-white-wants-texas-arena-event?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3124191/ufc-259-dana-white-wants-texas-arena-event?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 05 Mar 2021 04:07:11 +0000 Israel Adesanya’s hype has been compared to that of Conor McGregor and, with his 20-0 winning streak, he is considered to be one of the best MMA (mixed martial arts) fighters in the world. Now the Nigerian-born fighter is moving to the light heavyweight division for a title fight against Jan Blachowicz in UFC 259 on March 6.  School of hard knocks: the rise of MMA champion Conor McGregor In pre-interviews with ESPN, Adesanya said he hasn’t done anything different in preparation for the fight,... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3124102/israel-adesanya-new-conor-mcgregor-how-nigeria-born-ufc?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3124102/israel-adesanya-new-conor-mcgregor-how-nigeria-born-ufc?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 04 Mar 2021 20:00:11 +0000 Brazilian UFC fighter Paulo “Borrachinha” Costa said he was hungover, and maybe “kind of drunk” when he fought Israel “The Last Stylebender” Adesanya at UFC 253 in September last year. Costa (13-1) took to his YouTube channel to explain he was dealing with a host of issue related to cutting weight to make it to 185 pounds (84 kg), which is the maximum for the UFC’s middleweight division, to fight New Zealander Adesanya (20-0). The fight took place in Abu Dhabi on Fight Island, and Adesanya made... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3123583/ufc-paolo-costa-says-hangover-cost-him-win?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3123583/ufc-paolo-costa-says-hangover-cost-him-win?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 01 Mar 2021 08:05:44 +0000 UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman says he would “absolutely” consider moving up and going for “champ-champ” status – but only if middleweight king and compatriot Israel Adesanya steps aside. Fresh off his third successful title defence, a third-round TKO of former teammate Gilbert Burns at UFC 258 last weekend, “The Nigerian Nightmare” Usman (18-1) has already been in talks with president Dana White about his next bout. After retired legend Georges St-Pierre pulled his name from... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3122200/ufc-kamaru-usman-wants-middleweight-title?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3122200/ufc-kamaru-usman-wants-middleweight-title?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 18 Feb 2021 08:48:51 +0000 Light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz is envisioning knocking out Israel Adesanya at UFC 259 – with an early head kick. Blachowicz (27-8) is set to defend his crown for the first time on March 6 in the Las Vegas headliner, against the organisation’s middleweight champ and newest superstar, in what is the highest-profile opportunity of his career. However, the 37-year-old Pole heads into this potentially life-altering moment just as he did his previous bouts. “I don’t focus on [Adesanya], I... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3122131/ufc-259-jan-blachowicz-envisions-early-head?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3122131/ufc-259-jan-blachowicz-envisions-early-head?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 18 Feb 2021 02:25:16 +0000 There may be no tougher profession within the sporting world than that of a mixed martial artist. They have to master a number of skills: striking, kick-boxing, groundwork, takedown defence, submission tactics. These all require working within different realms: boxing, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, wrestling, the list goes on and on. Their careers hinge on wins, and catching a lucky punch could spell disaster in a split second. They train relentlessly, to fight other doppelgängers, hoping to come out on... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3121966/ufc-259-israel-adesanya-fighting-walk-around?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3121966/ufc-259-israel-adesanya-fighting-walk-around?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 17 Feb 2021 02:13:36 +0000 UFC middleweight champ Israel Adesanya will make the move up to light heavyweight to challenge 205-pound king Jan Blachowicz on March 6 at UFC 259. Rarefied “champ champ” status awaits for “The Last Stylebender”, who could become just the fifth UFC fighter to hold titles in two weight divisions simultaneously. Normally such a bid for glory requires precise calculation from a fighter’s team, but Adesanya’s dietitian Jordi Sullivan has revealed the 31-year-old Nigerian-Kiwi doesn’t even need to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3116766/ufc-israel-adesanya-definitely-not-worried?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3116766/ufc-israel-adesanya-definitely-not-worried?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 07 Jan 2021 07:04:37 +0000 Neutralising light heavyweight champ Jan Blachowicz’s “legendary Polish power” at UFC 259 in March is, of course, a necessary first step and no easy feat. But undefeated UFC middleweight king Israel Adesanya – fresh off winning his second consecutive Fighter of the Year gong at the 2020 World MMA Awards – is perfectly positioned to take the pound-for-pound reins by the end of this year. It’s been quite the rise for the 31-year-old Kiwi-Nigerian (20-0), who made easy work of chiselled contender... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3116577/israel-adesanya-can-become-ufc-pound-pound-no?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3116577/israel-adesanya-can-become-ufc-pound-pound-no?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 06 Jan 2021 02:28:45 +0000 Former UFC strawweight champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk is as excited as the rest of us to see Jan Blachowicz and Israel Adesanya collide in the Octagon at UFC 259 on March 7. The fight will see Blachowicz (27-8), the UFC light heavyweight champ, attempt the first defence of his belt, while Adesanya (20-0), the promotion’s middleweight champ, will look to become a two-division title-holder. Jedrzejczyk (16-4) has been a close friend of Blachowicz for many years, having come up through the Polish Muay... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3116329/ufc-joanna-jedrzejczyk-sees-change-jan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3116329/ufc-joanna-jedrzejczyk-sees-change-jan?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 04 Jan 2021 07:05:17 +0000 Jiri Prochazka has a friendly warning for Israel Adesanya. The date has been set for UFC middleweight champ Adesanya (20-0) to move up a division and challenge Jan Blachowicz (27-8) for the light heavyweight title at UFC 259 on March 6, setting the stage for the Nigerian-Kiwi to earn legend status by becoming only the fifth individual to hold two titles simultaneously for the organisation. But No 5-ranked light heavyweight Prochazka (27-3-1) of the Czech Republic points to one glaring factor... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3116213/ufc-jiri-prochazka-warns-israel-adesanya?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3116213/ufc-jiri-prochazka-warns-israel-adesanya?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 02 Jan 2021 16:03:50 +0000 Jon Jones’ light heavyweight title defence against Dominick Reyes at UFC 247 back in February is an interesting case study. A front runner in the MMA “GOAT” (greatest of all time) debate, Jones (26-1-0, 1NC) went five full rounds with his fellow American and most within MMA circles feel as if Reyes (12-2) might have eked out a victory on points. One thing was clear during the fight: Jones was not his usual self, looking sluggish, and at times in the first three rounds, apathetic to the whole... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3114908/ufc-jon-jones-heavyweight-could-steal-mma?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3114908/ufc-jon-jones-heavyweight-could-steal-mma?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 27 Dec 2020 12:00:13 +0000 Jan Blachowicz is all about proving everyone wrong. Throughout his UFC career, the 37-year-old Polish powerhouse has been underestimated by fighters and fans alike, even with incredible finishes over elite competition and the light heavyweight strap now wrapped around his waist. And it looks like nothing has changed. Dana White seemingly confirmed at last weekend’s UFC Vegas 12 post-fight presser that UFC middleweight champ Israel Adesanya (20-0) will move up a division to chase another title... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3108891/ufc-jan-blachowicz-tells-israel-adesanya-jon?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3108891/ufc-jan-blachowicz-tells-israel-adesanya-jon?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 07 Nov 2020 06:49:56 +0000 UFC middleweight champ Israel Adesanya’s striking coach believes Jon Jones will need to get in line, but admits the team are already deciphering the best way to beat him. There’s no doubt a super fight between former light heavyweight champ “Bones” (26-1, one no contest) and “The Last Stylebender” (20-0) would be massive – the pair have been relentlessly feuding on Twitter, and it feels inevitable. But Jones is in the process of a move up to heavyweight after vacating his belt, and UFC president... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3108349/ufc-israel-adesanya-coach-says-jon-jones-will?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3108349/ufc-israel-adesanya-coach-says-jon-jones-will?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 04 Nov 2020 04:00:23 +0000 Statements don‘t come much more emphatic than the one made by Israel Adesanya at UFC 253 last month, when he beat undefeated Paulo Costa inside two rounds, barely wearing a strike on his way to defending the middleweight title for a second time. The Brazilian became the seventh of Adesanya‘s top-15 victims, prompting widespread suggestion that now is the ideal time for the Kiwi-Nigerian to explore the waters outside his division. One such path could involve Adesanya taking the step up to light... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3105362/ufc-dana-white-all-israel-adesanya-vs-jon?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3105362/ufc-dana-white-all-israel-adesanya-vs-jon?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 13 Oct 2020 10:55:46 +0000 While UFC champion Israel Adesanya’s effortless TKO against Paulo Costa left many onlookers aghast at UFC 253 last week, the Kiwi-Nigerian’s immediate post-victory antics almost stole the show completely. Almost two years of relentless back-and-forth barbs culminated in a moment where “The Last Stylebender” sealed the fight with a torrent of blows from the back and gave his nemesis a few demoralising parting “humps”. But as far as UFC president Dana White is concerned, that’s simply the nature... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3104540/ufc-dana-white-defends-israel-adesanyas-post?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3104540/ufc-dana-white-defends-israel-adesanyas-post?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 07 Oct 2020 09:20:46 +0000 Reigning UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya and former light heavyweight champion Jon Jones went on a profanity-laced verbal slugfest on Twitter – with the latest insults mentioning each others’ parents. The 31-year-old Adesanya (20-0), who trounced contender Paulo Costa at UFC 253 last month, has been calling Jones (26-1, one no contest) out since becoming champion in 2019. The Nigerian-New Zealander said he would clear out his division before taking the super fight in 2021. Meanwhile,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3103986/ufc-israel-adesanya-and-jon-jones-bring-each?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3103986/ufc-israel-adesanya-and-jon-jones-bring-each?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 02 Oct 2020 10:26:52 +0000 After taking all the pre-fight trolling from Paulo Costa in his stride – the personal insults, the memes, the silly videos – Israel Adesanya clearly enjoyed humbling him on Fight Island at the weekend. But some thought the middleweight champ went too far with his celebrations after a second-round TKO in the UFC 253 main event in Abu Dhabi. First, “The Last Stylebender” (20-0) dry-humped the 29-year-old Brazilian Costa (13-1) when the referee stepped in to stop the punches Adesanya was raining... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3103612/israel-adesanya-critics-need-quiet-down-ufc?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3103612/israel-adesanya-critics-need-quiet-down-ufc?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 30 Sep 2020 04:36:56 +0000 There is a playful narrative that’s been floating around the gaming community since the nineties. It’s known as the “EA curse”. Electronic Arts is responsible for several iconic sports games ranging from Fifa to Madden NFL and of course, the UFC games. Fans began to see a pattern of bad things happening to the athletes who were chosen to grace the covers. In the case of UFC fighters, Ronda Rousey, Conor McGregor and Jorge Masvidal all lost their next fights after being featured. That would not... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3103267/ufc-253-israel-adesanya-consigns-ea-curse?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3103267/ufc-253-israel-adesanya-consigns-ea-curse?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 27 Sep 2020 16:47:38 +0000 Just how good is Israel Adesanya? Truth is we still don’t really know after Adesanya messed with Paulo Costa‘s mind (and front leg) in the first round and then he messed him up completely in the second to retain his world middleweight crown at UFC 253. The Nigerian-Kiwi just keeps getting better, and his desire to be known among the greats of the game is coming to fruition – in real time. “Y’all must have forgot,” Adesanya claimed afterwards, referencing the great boxer Roy Jones Jnr. “Y’all... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3103225/ufc-253-israel-adesanya-carves-paulo-costa?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3103225/ufc-253-israel-adesanya-carves-paulo-costa?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 27 Sep 2020 05:39:39 +0000 Colby Covington’s comments in the lead-up to, and after, his UFC Vegas 11 TKO victory over Tyron Woodley did not bring enough scrutiny from the media, according to Israel Adesanya. The UFC middleweight champ took aim at the press for not bringing the outspoken welterweight challenger to task for calling the Black Lives Matter movement a “domestic terrorist organisation” and NBA star LeBron James a “spineless coward” for supporting it. After receiving a phone call from US President Donald Trump... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3102846/ufc-253-israel-adesanya-says-colby-covington?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3102846/ufc-253-israel-adesanya-says-colby-covington?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 24 Sep 2020 06:34:20 +0000 Israel Adesanya is under no illusions coming into what is looming as a fight of the year contender this weekend against Paulo Costa. “One thing you have to remember – he’s dangerous,” says the UFC’s middleweight champion. “But he has to remember, so am I.” The headline event on a stacked UFC 253 card carries with it already the hallmarks of a classic, from the feuding between the pair via social media and in the flesh over the past six months, to their unbeaten status in the sport – at 19-0 for... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3102808/ufc-253-israel-adesanya-says-skinny-kid-bruce?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3102808/ufc-253-israel-adesanya-says-skinny-kid-bruce?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 24 Sep 2020 05:00:11 +0000 UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya had a few choice words of “advice”, shall we say, for Jon Jones on his adversary’s long-awaited move to the heavyweight division. “Go put some [expletive] muscle on your chopstick legs and go fight Francis Ngannou and watch him break you,” said Adesanya. This week, Jones confirmed he would vacate his light heavyweight title to make the seemingly inevitable move up, opening up a host of new opportunities and opponents. “Bones” mentioned the hypothetical... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3098014/ufc-israel-adesanyas-advice-jon-jones-go?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3098014/ufc-israel-adesanyas-advice-jon-jones-go?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 19 Aug 2020 12:01:21 +0000 The Covid-19 lockdown in Auckland has forced the team at City Kickboxing to take drastic measures to ensure its four fighters set to feature at UFC 253 next month can continue their preparations unhindered. On Wednesday, featherweight Shane Young and lightweight Brad Riddell were confirmed to join teammates Kai Kara-France and headliner Israel Adesanya on the September 26 card, where the middleweight champion will defend his crown against Paulo Costa. All four have been living and training full... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3097946/israel-adesanya-says-ufc-253-coronavirus?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3097946/israel-adesanya-says-ufc-253-coronavirus?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 19 Aug 2020 06:04:28 +0000 Darren Till was in strangely high spirits despite his unanimous decision loss to Robert Whittaker in Sunday’s UFC Fight Island 3 main event. “I’ve never felt like this after a loss, I feel OK,” Till said at the post-event press conference inside Flash Forum in Abu Dhabi. “It was probably one of the toughest fights I’ve been in, just so mentally stressful. A chess match. “A close fight against the former champion, I’m up there. I showed how clinically good I am at striking. A lot of these guys,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3094737/ufc-darren-till-says-israel-adesanya-easier?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3094737/ufc-darren-till-says-israel-adesanya-easier?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 26 Jul 2020 05:18:25 +0000 Sunday’s UFC Fight Island 3 main event against Robert Whittaker may just be Darren Till’s second foray into the promotion’s middleweight division, but his message is clear. “If I win, I’m fighting Israel Adesanya and that’s all there is to it,” the Liverpudlian told a virtual media day on Tuesday in Abu Dhabi. The 27-year-old former welterweight Till (18-2-1) said he is “growing into” the 185-pound division after an impressive first outing against Kelvin Gastelum (16-6, one no contest) last... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3094147/ufc-darren-till-says-hes-fighting-israel?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3094147/ufc-darren-till-says-hes-fighting-israel?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 21 Jul 2020 18:01:38 +0000 UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has poured cold water over suggestions he may spearhead a revival of The Ultimate Fighter alongside challenger-in-waiting Paulo Costa. Last month, Costa's coach Eric Albarracin piqued the ears of fans when he told MMA Junkie Radio that his fighter would coach next to Adesanya on the reality television show as part of the build-up to their inevitable and hugely anticipated title joust. But that's news to “The Last Stylebender”. He's revealed he hasn't... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3093684/ufc-champ-israel-adesanya-laughs-ultimate?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3093684/ufc-champ-israel-adesanya-laughs-ultimate?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 17 Jul 2020 11:29:56 +0000 If there is one thing MMA fighters dig more than their sport, it is their tattoos. Fighters as celebrated and famous as former champions Conor McGregor and Brock Lesnar are both adorned with a number of tattoos – and there are plenty more where they came from. In mixed martial arts circles, an individual’s ink can be a defining characteristic, a piece of art that not only embellishes them physically but which helps define them. Here are some of the MMA world’s most notable tattoos and the... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3090705/why-does-ufcs-conor-mcgregor-have-gorilla-his-chest-mma?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3090705/why-does-ufcs-conor-mcgregor-have-gorilla-his-chest-mma?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 26 Jun 2020 19:00:14 +0000 Israel Adesanya told his fans to “f*** the system” and “f*** your couch” in an attempt to raise awareness around Emancipation Day – or Juneteenth – a day celebrating the end of slavery across the US. UFC middleweight champion Adesanya (19-0), who was seen giving an emotional speech at a Black Lives Matter protest in his native New Zealand last month, urged people to not be distracted by what the “cameras focus on” and address “the elephant in the room” – which he cryptically compared to Harry... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3090075/ufc-israel-adesanya-tells-fans-not-ignore?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3090075/ufc-israel-adesanya-tells-fans-not-ignore?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 22 Jun 2020 07:50:43 +0000 While UFC champions Israel Adesanya and Jon Jones have been spotted in the streets showing solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement amidst ongoing fury at the death of George Floyd in May, other fighters within the MMA realm have also shared their thoughts on social media. Former double champion, Daniel “DC” Cormier, told everybody to “wake up” after the killing of unarmed black man Floyd by now-convicted police officer Derek Chauvin in Minnesota in May. “As we pray for George Floyd and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3087143/mma-community-reacts-george-floyds-death-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3087143/mma-community-reacts-george-floyds-death-and?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 02 Jun 2020 07:05:45 +0000