Israel Adesanya is the ‘future’ according to UFC president, Dana White. Listening to the UFC 230 press conference, it’s clear Adesanya believes it too.
Israel Adesanya patiently and violently took apart Derek Brunson at UFC 230: Daniel Cormier vs. Derrick Lewis. Dana White has called him the “future”, and to think — it all started with inspiration from Ong Bak.
In addition to being one of the best candidates for fighter of the year, Adesanya has proven himself quotable as well. He continued boosting his quotability quotient at the UFC 230 press conference.
When asked about proving himself as the best striker, he clarified. “I want to prove I’m the best fighter.”
It’s rare for an 18-minute interview to be completely listenable. That’s not always on the athletes. All of their analysis and decision-making happens inside the cage. Adesanya got started by talking about the importance of being prepared for Brunson’s takedowns.
“I’ve seen too many street fights. 80 percent of street fights end on the ground. I never want to feel vulnerable in any situation. I never want to feel like another guy can have me. A lot of guys won’t even dare step in here. A guy like James Toney had the balls to step in here.”
Adesanya didn’t mince words about his interaction with Brunson. Nor did he mince words about his interaction with Brunson on Twitter. He articulated that he was well-prepared, but that it was clear from minute-one that Brunson was in desperation mode. When asked about his future, he made it clear without calling anyone out.
“Jacare’s lost to both Kelvin (Gastelum) and Robert (Whittaker). Who wants to see that? You have Yoel (Romero). Unreliable. And also, he missed weight. Yoel doesn’t make weight all the time. Rockhold makes weight, but same thing, he pulls out a lot. Unreliable. If Robert wins it just makes so much sense.“
Never one to mince words, when asked about sponsors, Adesanya had a fairly clear (at least once he got passed an awkward stock exchange analogy) message.
“Pay me, f—k you,” and dropped the mic.