Israel Adesanya Reacts To Sean Strickland’s Sparring Session With Alex Pereira, Writes ‘You Never Go Full’
Israel Adesanya recently reacted to Sean Strickland’s recent sparring session with Alex Pereira. ‘The Last Stylebender’ was surprisingly impressed by ‘Tarzan’s patient demeanor and praised him for not going all out against the former UFC middleweight champion.
Adesanya is set to face Strickland in a highly anticipated title fight at UFC 293 on September 9 in Sydney. The contest will also mark Adesanya’s first title defense since regaining the championship from Pereira in their rematch at UFC 287.
Israel Adesanya was initially expected to face Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 293. Unfortunately, the South African fighter was forced to pull out due to an injury. The reigning middleweight champion called out Sean Strickland soon after Du Plessis’ withdrawal was made official.
In a recent tweet, Israel Adesanya reacted to Sean Strickland sparring with his longtime combat sports nemesis Alex Pereira. Referencing the outcome of Strickland vs. Pereira at UFC 276, Adesanya wrote:
“This was actually really nice to watch. It’s a different feel when you know what’ll happen if you went full Strickland. You never go full Strickland.”
Israel Adesanya Promises To Expose Sean Strickland At UFC 293
Israel Adesanya is looking forward to settling his differences with Sean Strickland in the octagon at UFC 293. The reigning middleweight champion recently vowed to expose ‘Tarzan’ when they come face to face next month.
As mentioned, there is no love lost between Adesanya and Strickland. The two have exchanged viciously personal jabs over the past few years and waste no opportunity to taunt each other on social media. Their infamous exchange at the UFC 276 pre-fight presser in July 2022 seemingly laid the foundation for this title fight to materialize.
Given Strickland’s reputation as one of UFC’s most brashly outspoken fighters, Adesanya is looking to reveal his opponent’s true self. In a recent same interview with Mike Bohn for MMA Junkie, Israel Adesanya claimed Sean Strickland’s trash-talking is an act. Predicting a knockout victory over the No.5-ranked middleweight contender, he stated:
“Behind the scenes, he’s soft… I kind of want to show people what happens backstage, I want to show them on the main stage that he’s my b*tch… I’m on a warpath, and I’m going to end this man. He’s getting knocked out.
Watch the full interview below:
