MMA News Roundup: Israel Adesanya says belt isn't his primary motivation at UFC 281, Sean O'Malley claims he's unaffected by criticism, Jake Paul disappointed over PPV numbers (Nov. 2, 2022)
Welcome to today's edition of Sportskeeda's daily MMA News Roundup, where we present the biggest UFC updates and other stories from the world of mixed martial arts.
In today's issue, we talk about Israel Adesanya revealing his motivation for his upcoming clash against Alex Pereira, Jake Paul being disappointed over pay-per-view sales, and more.
#3. Israel Adesanya reveals what motivates him for upcoming trilogy fight against Alex Pereira at UFC 281
Israel Adesanya will be striving for a sixth consecutive UFC title defense against Alex Pereira in their upcoming championship bout later this month.
However, 'The Last Stylebender' revealed that he's fighting for more than just the belt. What matters to him most, according to Adesanya, is being able to beat a "killer" like Pereira:
"Beating him, that's what matters," Adesanya said in a recent YouTube vlog he uploaded. "Like, the belt, f**k the belt. Just beating him, a killer like him, that's what matters."
Watch Israel Adesanya's video below:
#2. Sean O'Malley claims he's unaffected by criticism from fans and media following win over Petr Yan UFC 280
Sean O'Malley secured the biggest win of his career after beating Petr Yan at UFC 280. However, the rising bantamweight star was tremendously criticized by fans, fighters, and media members alike, with many unconvinced that he deserved a decision win over Yan.
Nonetheless, 'Sugar' claimed he's unaffected by the noise. When asked about the post-fight narrative, the 27-year-old said on the IMPAULSIVE podcast:
"The media really doesn't affect me. Like those guys that are talking shit are just so stupid. I feel like if it did affect me, it'd be me being weak-minded. And I feel like everything I have worked on in myself in the last five-six years, growing, becoming famous, it's to deal with that stuff."
Watch Sean O'Malley's interview below:
#1. Jake Paul says he's disappointed with Anderson Silva fight PPV numbers
Jake Paul added a legend to his resume by defeating Anderson Silva in their much-publicized boxing match.
As far as making money is concerned, however, the YouTube star revealed that the fight didn't go so well. 'The Problem Child' estimated that the fight only generated 200,00 to 300,000 pay-per-view buys.
Commenting on the turnout of his most recent fight during an episode of the IMPAULSIVE podcast, Paul said:
"Not only did I make zero, but I lost millions of dollars just running a goddamn organization with fifty employees. I think it will probably go around 200-300k, which is kind of upsetting."
Watch the video below: