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Israel Adesanya is one of the most exciting fighters in the sport today, but that doesn’t mean Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) president Dana White agrees with everything the middleweight champion does.
Adesanya, who has amassed a 8-0 record since his Octagon debut less than three years ago, is a truly unique talent. From his impeccable striking to his gift of gab, “Last Stylebender” is quickly becoming one of the promotion’s biggest assets. But not everything Adesanya does is in line with the views of the promotion.
Just look at his epic walkout for his title fight opposite Robert Whittaker back at UFC 243 (video replay HERE). Adesanya demanded that UFC let him dance his way to the cage in front of a sold out crowd in Melbourne, Australia, and the promotion granted his wish. The result was one of the most memorable walks to the Octagon, but it’s not something that White wants to see again.
“Well he’s an interesting guy anyways, but yeah, I don’t love it. (Laughs) I don’t love it. I battle with him every time we do it, you know? I keep it as minimal as possible. I like guys that just walk right into the Octagon, they’re serious, they’re all business,” White told TMZ Sports.
Adesanya, who is scheduled to defend his 185-pound strap in a grudge match with undefeated contender Paulo Costa next weekend at UFC 253, will have more opportunities to set himself apart from the competition. This includes his skills as a fighter and as a dancer, even if he has to tiptoe his way around the UFC boss.
“But you know what? It works for Israel. It works for him. He’s got the personality to pull it off, and obviously the guy can actually really dance. We have a lot of people who dance their way into the Octagon and they should probably never dance anywhere. But Adesanya is actually a badass dancer. But yeah, it’s his thing and it’s cool and he can actually pull it off,” White said.
If Adesanya is able to defeat Costa next weekend at UFC 253 and push his promotional record to 9-0 there’s not much White can say. At that point, “Last Stylebender” would have beat the best of the best atop the middleweight division and can do whatever he wants, including a dance to the cage every time he makes the walk.
What say you, Maniacs? Should Adesanya be able to dance to the Octagon like he did at UFC 243?
Let’s hear it!
For more UFC 253 fight card news click here.