You can’t beat me. I’m prepared to die.
New Zealand’s beloved Israel 'The Last Stylebender' Adesanya went viral as he spat these words ahead of his final round vs Kelin Gastelum for his first UFC title in 2019. He lived up to them, winning the interim middleweight bout. He is now 8-12 in championship bouts.
He’ll need this mindset on lock when he takes on Nassourdine Imavov this Sunday at UFC Saudi Arabia.
It’s no secret that Izzy has cemented his place in the UFC hall of fame. It is difficult to be a Kiwi sports fan and not love the work that Izzy has done.
Unfortunately, he is coming into this fight sporting back-to-back title losses, making this his first non-title fight for the first time in six years.
A massive upset came in September of2023, when Sean Strickland stripped him of his middleweight title. In search of defense, Adesanya took on new title-holder Dricus Du Plessis in August the following year, but was unsuccessful there too.
Still, being one of the greatest to ever do it has kept him well and truly in the conversation.
As one of the aforementioned Kiwi sports fans, and a big supporter of Adesanya, I believe this weekend's match is do or die for the 35-year-old fighter.
He could be back in contention to take on the winner of the Du Plessis v Strickland title rematch on February 9th, if he gets a win this Sunday. This would be a huge step back in the right direction, and a chance to prove he's not done yet.
Not only would a loss put him further out of the running for another title, it would impact his relevancy in the sport.
However, if a massive redemption moment is on the cards for Izzy, it'll be hard won.
Imavov is coming off three straight UFC wins, moving up to fifth in the middleweight division and closing in on Izzy’s second. While Adesanya is a veteran among youth, with a 24-4-0 (MMA) and 13-4 (UFC) record vs 15-4 (MMA) and 7-2 (UFC), Imavov is riding some pretty sweet momentum at the moment.
Fortunately, Izzy has never been short of confidence.
“I trust myself, trust me,” he said in one of his recent YouTube videos.
You can’t count me out.
Years of therapy taught Izzy that the best way to deal with backlash from competitors and critics “don’t react, respond.”
“Just don’t react - take your time. Internalise that emotion and respond.”
I’m crossing my fingers that he can be his best self on Sunday to get a win and earn himself another chance at a title. It is going to be one to watch.
The fight takes place just after 8am NZT this Sunday.
