Israel Adesanya UFC Fight Night 250 Exclusive Interview

Ahead of his UFC Fight Night headline showdown with Nassourdine Imavov, we spoke with Stake Ambassador and MMA legend, Israel Adesanya.

Izzy touched on the UFC middleweight title picture, and how enemies have become friends. Read on to see what the legend had to say before the big night in the Octagon and place your bets on UFC on Stake Sportsbook.

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What have you learnt from your last fight with Dricus Du Plessis?

I've put more gas in the tank. That way I don't run low. I've worked so hard in these 20 weeks or so. Different blocks have been worked on but we are almost there.

This is your first non-title bout since 2019? Does that end any new pressures to win?

Pressure? These circumstances don't really bring any new pressures. In fact, training has been more ramped up and more tightened when it comes to efficiency. We are definitely going to have more gas in the tank for Imamov. This is the last hard week of training so I’m putting in the work and I'm just ready to go

Does a win over Nassourdine Imamov send you back into the title picture?

I'm always in the title picture. That's because I'm Israel Adesanya, and I've done so much in this game. Right now I am just dealing with Imamov and then I will take things as I come. But for now I have to take out Imamov.

Dricus Du Plessis vs Sean Strickland II - who takes the cake?

I think Dricus takes the cake. He's a really good fighter and he is good at what he does. He's already beat Strickland - even though he just edged it out, but I think he still won. I think this time it will be a bit more decisive. But if it is close, I will not be surprised because Sean Strickland is always game.

Who would you rather face?

I'm not fussed or don't have a preference about facing either Dricus or Strickland in a rematch for the title. My focus is on Imamov and I will take on every challenge as it comes

As well as developing big rivalries, you have also found a way to make peace with your adversaries such as Robert Whitaker and Alex Pereira. How has that helped you leading into the fight?

Making peace helps. Even just having Robert Whitaker around with his enthusiasm for the game and his energy. It was nice to have him in the room with us, coming to my house and breaking down the fights. We were sharing stories and breaking bread. Overall, he is just a cool guy. I've been talking a little bit with Alex Pereira also. I've learnt that whatever doesn't serve me anymore I can't hold onto. All the negative energy I have will go to Nassourdine Imamov. I really can't wait. I'm patiently waiting for the day for the cage door to close and then we can just get it on.

You have transcended globally with your success in MMA. How did it make you feel when you saw Mohamed Salah do your celebration?

It felt good when Mohamed Salah did my celebration. It lets me know I am doing the right things. It lets me know I am representing myself, the game and my people well. He is also Egyptian and the weaponry I believe it's a part of their culture. It's just cool to see people appreciate my work and the little trinkets I give. It also makes room for people to do their own thing and I love it when people express themselves freely.

How well does this translate to African dominance across sport and MMA?

In MMA, there's always a country or a group of people that come into the UFC and just dominate. Right now it's the Dagestani's who are here, with guys like Imamov and others with similar last names. Sometimes when you see that chin strap and you're like: '' Oh wow!'' Eventually, you will see names like ''Olusoga and Mathias,'' and all those last names from Nigeria and people will be like ''Oh yeah!'' He is from Nigeria, or the Congo, or Ghana?'' Our time is coming when we will have that African dominance in the game. You see it with shows like African KO in Nigeria - where they bring out crazy fighters and fights. It is slowly embedded in the culture and the seed is finally growing.

Have you ever spoken to Dana White about UFC Africa?

Dana White and I have spoken on many occasions about UFC Africa. One thing about Africa is that we can be our own worst enemies. The 1% sometimes screw over a lot of their people just to stay rich and keep their friends rich. It's a lot of red tape. It's a matter of staying out of our own way so we can be great. It's about helping the entire community and not just their small communities to keep themselves rich. It will happen, we just have to get out of our own way.

I like the way the Burkina Faso president Ibrahim Traore is operating. He is one of the guys leading the charge and allowing his country to take back what is rightfully theirs. That way they will be able to get rid of all the riff raff and all the corrupt government and officials. I think a lot of African nations should take a look at this and take note.

Is there still space for Francis Ngannou vs Deontay Wilder this year?

Francis Ngannou and Deontay Wilder certainly still have the tools to be in the ring together. This is the first time I am hearing about this. People forget in this TikTok generation who Deontay Wilder is- who has one of the highest finishing rates in heavyweight boxing history and Francis Ngannou also became a star in the boxing world in just two fights.

I would back my boy Francis to win this fight. It also depends where Deontay is at mentally. In one of his last interviews he spoke about going to the jungle and doing Ayahuasca so who knows where he is at. For me, It's going to be Francis who wins this fight. I admire his story and his rise against all odds. I will always back him. I haven't heard about this fight, but it's an interesting one to have.

Dan Hooker vs Justin Gaethje - Who wins?

Dan Hooker vs Justin Gaethje is going to be chaotic. They are just going to run and go at each other, I do not see that fight going any other way. They both have a few screws loose; they are psychos but Dan Hooker will get it done.

Alexander Volkanovski vs Ilia Topuria 2- who wins?

I've been with Alexander Volkanovski recently and have been working with him. He inspires me and helps me get work done. Anything he sets his mind to he will do, and I know this time around he will reclaim the belt. However, if Topuria wins I don't know if he will go up and face Makhachev just yet.