Nigerian-born former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) middleweight champion, Israel Adesanya, is set to reclaim the crown he lost to Alex Pereira ‘Poatan’ when the two martial arts foes clash again on Sunday, April 9 at the Maimi-Dade Arena, Maimi, Florida, USA.
After losing his title last year, 33-year-old middleweight king, Adesanya, popularly known as ‘The Stylebender’ went back to training to prepare for what some people have termed as the most important fight of his career.
In an interview with Trust Sports, Israel hinged his confidence on the undying support of his coach, Abiola Beckley, whom he said has been working with him behind the scenes for over nine weeks to ensure that he has all the right weapon and armoury to go into battle.
He said, “my boy AB just gets me stronger, Abiola gets me stronger not just for this fight but for fighting and life in general”.
On his part, Beckley said, amidst praying and wishing him victory, he is confident and enthusiastic about the match as it is a win for Israel, Nigeria and New Zealand.
“This fight is not just Israel’s fight but our fight. Israel’s victory is his victory and a victory for Nigeria and New Zealand. Israel can once again fly the flag of Nigeria in the highest level of combat sport.
“Israel is ready for war and the world might see another level to the ‘Stylebender.’ A more powerful and devastating Israel is coming to shut the doubters up. For Israel, this is not about the belt but about reminding people how great he is.
“It is time to put the Nigerian flag back at the top and the whole nation is solidly behind Israel Adesanya. We are ready to receive our two-time middleweight world champion,” said Beckley.
