Many described it as premature, referee Mark Goddard’s controversial quick intervention to stop the fight between Israel Adesanya and Nassourdine Imavov at UFC Saudi Arabia. However, the former middleweight champion, who was at the receiving end of the decision on February 1, has refused to blame the official.
Around 30 seconds in the second round of the bout, Imavov lunged forward with a huge right to catch Izzy straight in the face, causing him to fall back. Goddard immediately jumped in to stop the Kiwi from taking further damage and stopped the fight.
At that point, Adesanya was evidently displeased, questioning if it was a fair stoppage since he was up and about already. However, a few days later, Adesanya met Goddard and admitted that the referee was right to step in.
UFC legend Daniel Cormier took notice of this and praised Adesanya for handling the defeat with grace and integrity. On the latest episode of the Good Guy/Bad Guy show, Cormier also expressed awe at the accountability displayed by the former middleweight champion.
“I respect him more… He owned it, he said you know what, I wasn’t there, I gotta do better, that, I love that from Adesanya,” said DC.
Cormier highlighted how Adesanya could have easily swayed public opinion by blaming the referee for stopping too soon. But instead, he took full responsibility for his performance. This speaks volumes about Adesanya’s character and professionalism, added DC.
While the debate raged around him, Adesanya’s decision to focus on his shortcomings than the controversy showcases his maturity. The Last Stylebender also seems to have moved on from his past rivalries of late.
First, it was mending things with Robert Whittaker. And now, he’s been hanging out with UFC light heavyweight champion, Alex Pereira.
Adesanya open to training with Pereira
Adesanya and Pereira’s rivalry goes way back. The two first fought each other in kickboxing, where the Brazilian knocked out Izzy cold, twice. Izzy then joined the UFC in 2018 and soon became its middleweight champion. Pereira followed soon enough and defeated Adesanya again at UFC 281 to take the title from him.
After three career losses to the man, Izzy finally got his vengeance at UFC 287, when he found Pereira’s chin to put him to sleep. He then stood over him and mockingly shot imaginary arrows at him.
Adesanya did not stop there either. He edited the video of the KO, turning himself into an anime character, and then shared it on his social media.
Chama pic.twitter.com/4YunnsKFEo
— Israel Adesanya (@stylebender) June 30, 2024
All those seem to be history now. In another surprising turn of events, Adesanya sat beside Pereira at UFC 312, where the two conversed, took pictures while smiling, and recorded videos together. Poatan even offered Adesanya to train together.
“Let’s train together, let’s make this partnership happen, I have a lot to show you and you have a lot to show me,” said Pereira.
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Responding to questions about why he’s been making friends with former foes, Izzy said that it was because he was just a chill guy, asserting that it was not beneficial to hate anyone.
“It doesn’t serve me at all. It’s just poisoning myself. I’m holding onto hate in my heart for someone that’s moved on. So why would I do that? I’m not that kind of person,” said Adesanya.
Now, that is a sign of maturity as a human being and coming of age as a true martial artist.
