"A respect... that I have not seen in a very long time" - Former UFC title contender feels this is the "most business-like" Israel Adesanya has been, ahead of Alex Pereira fight
Israel Adesanya is mere days away from what could be the most important fight of his professional career.
'The Last Stylebender' will look to defend his belt against the ferocious Alex Pereira at Madison Square Garden on Saturday, November 12. The pair have a significant history, as Pereira has defeated Adesanya twice in kickboxing.
Israel Adesanya along with his teammates, some of whom will also fight on the card, have stated that this training camp has been like none before it. 'The Last Stylebender' seems to be as prepared as ever, and according to Kenny Florian, the champion is as serious as he can remember.
Florian joined UFC commentator Jon Anik to break down the UFC 281 main event. 'KenFlo' spoke about the demeanor that Adesanya has been projecting on fight week, particularly noting his intensity:
"I've seen a seriousness and a respect on the face of Israel Adesanya that I have not seen in a very long time. He's not trying to clown around, he's not trying to show off or talk sh*t. He has been all business. This has been like the most business-like I've seen him since maybe his first couple fights in the UFC."
Watch the video below from 1:14:50:
Israel Adesanya says he went to "places he's never been before" in preparation for UFC 281 main event
Israel Adesanya is preparing to face the only man in combat sports, Alex Pereira, to boast a 2-0 record over him. The pair faced each other twice in kickboxing, with 'Poatan' defeating Adesanya via decision and knockout.
This weekend's middleweight title fight is arguably the most anticipated matchup of the year. 'The Last Stylebender' will hope to close his impressive calender year in style with a statement-making performance against Pereira.
According to the champion, he is as ready as he's ever been. Whilst talking to Megan Anderson for ESPN MMA, the Nigerian-born New Zealander said that he was forced to "dig deeper" this training camp:
"I feel like it's made me dig deeper than I ever have in a training camp. I've been to places in this camp that I have never been before. And I can see why. I can see the fruits of my labor. Even the way my weight is right now."
Watch the interview below from 1:48: