"I'm loving this game" - Israel Adesanya reveals he turned down "big offers" for movies to focus on fighting
Although he is one of the most decorated strikers and top pound-for-pound fighters in the world, Israel Adesanya still has big aspirations in MMA.
Adesanya joined Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour, where he discussed his upcoming bout against Alex Pereira in the main event at UFC 281. During the interview, the UFC middleweight champion mentioned that he loves the sport too much to accept offers for ventures outside MMA:
“I’ve turned down a lot of things. There’s been some of the big ones [films]. I wanna do this [fight]. I’m loving this game. If it doesn’t line up with, if it clashes with fighting. I don’t care. You’d be surprised. If it clashes with fighting, I’m like, ‘Nah, sorry,’ and Tim [Simpson] would be like, ‘I know you’re gonna say no, but…I’m like, ‘Nah, I can’t.’ And I’d love to do it.”
‘The Last Stylebender’ added that despite turning down entertainment-related offers now, he still intends to accept them in the future:
“Of course. Later on. I want to do some voice over as well. Voice over work, that’s on the list.”
The reigning middleweight champion will have his hands full at UFC 281. He and Pereira have already fought twice in the past when they competed in kickboxing. 'Poatan' won both bouts and even finished ‘The Last Stylebender’ via knockout in their second bout.
Check out the full interview below:
Israel Adesanya could be the next UFC fighter to transition to Hollywood in the future
Here. He. Comes. ☠️
[ @Stylebender | #UFC276 ] https://t.co/Bv54ObOkyr
Israel Adesanya is a charismatic fighter with a loyal fanbase, which could see him gaining more popularity in Hollywood. He alluded to turning down film roles during his conversation with Helwani. However, he could find success in films, television, or even pro wrestling.
‘The Last Stylebender’ used The Undertaker’s theme song for his walkout at UFC 276, which caught the attention of WWE fans as well as the WWE Hall of Famer himself. Many UFC fighters have transitioned to the entertainment industry and been successful at it. Ronda Rousey and Georges St-Pierre have played roles in massive film and television franchises in the past.
In recent years, Rousey has appeared in franchises like Fast & Furious and The Expendables, while St-Pierre has appeared in Kickboxer: Vengence and Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor will also make his acting debut alongside Jake Gyllenhaal as he joins the cast for the remake of Road House.