“I busted a nut” - When Israel Adesanya openly admitted to resorting to NSFW tactics to make weight for kickboxing bout
Fight fans have witnessed a range of unconventional methods that fighters have resorted to making weight. However, Israel Adesanya's unique NSFW tactic to shed the final grams may perhaps top that list.
A traditional weight cut for a fighter involves the use of saunas and sweat suits to achieve rapid dehydration. They also employ rigorous cardiovascular exercises to accelerate fluid loss and manage body weight with dietary adjustments.
While these methods have proven to be effective for making weight, some fighters, like Tracy Cortez cut off a fistful of her hair to make the 126-pound limit for her recent fight against Rose Namajunas. Adesanya, during a past interview with Bleacher Report, revealed the craziest thing he’s had to do to make weight. He replied:
"I just … what the f**k, f**king hell. Back in kickboxing back... When I was kickboxing when I was really young … I didn’t have the fight dietitian, the guy who looks after us with my meals and whatnot, I didn’t have him on deck. I was not in the UFC … Ah f**k man … Okay, how do I put this … I busted a nut to make weight."
Catch Adesanya's comments below:
Adesanya is gearing up to challenge Dricus du Plessis in his bid to become the first three-time UFC middleweight champion at UFC 305. The event is set to go down on Aug. 18, 2024, at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia.
'The Last Stylebender' dropped the 185-pound strap to Sean Strickland in his last outing at UFC 293. Then, Strickland fell short in his first title defense fight against du Plessis at UFC 297, paving the way for the South African to settle his rivalry with Adesanya.
Israel Adesanya previews upcoming clash against Dricus du Plessis
Staying active has been Israel Adesanya's ally during his ascent to prominence in the UFC. 'The Last Stylebender' has competed 16 times inside the octagon since he made his promotional debut in February 2018. During his first year with the Las Vegas-based promotion, Adesanya competed four times, which set the tone for a memorable run marked by activity.
However, his loss to Sean Strickland at UFC 293 forced a shift in gears and Adesanya decided to take some time off to regroup. He returns to action this weekend against Dricus du Plessis at UFC 305 after an 11-month hiatus on the hunt for gold again. Previewing the upcoming clash in a recent interview with Stake, he said:
"This is the longest layoff in my whole fighting career. I kind of got forced into taking a break because my body needed it. Not because of the fights, but the training camps. My mind, body, and spirit needed it, and I’m glad I got the break I needed and reset myself, reaffirm myself.'' [H/t: MMA Mania]
He added:
"I’ve been here before, I’ve lost before and I know how things change, so for me, the defeat didn’t shake me. You watch this, in 10 days, I’m going to smoke this fool. I’ve been here before, but I’ll play the game a little differently this time.”