In a recent interview, Israel Adesanya shared his thoughts on his upcoming opponent Nassourdine Imavov, the upcoming fight between Dricus Du Plessis and Sean Strickland, and his career plans, including his potential retirement. Here are the key takeaways from his discussion about personal growth, his UFC career, and the challenges ahead.
Facing Nassourdine Imavov
When asked about his opponent Nassourdine Imavov, Adesanya stated, “It’s not about him, it’s about me.” He emphasized that the main focus is on self-improvement and showcasing his skills in MMA, rather than fixating on his opponent. “I’m writing my own story,” Adesanya declared, showing his determination to continue evolving in every fight.
While acknowledging that Imavov is a dangerous and skilled fighter, Adesanya believes this is an opportunity to prove his full range of abilities in mixed martial arts, rather than a personal rivalry.
Growth and Losses
Adesanya also discussed the lessons learned from his loss to Dricus Du Plessis. Despite the defeat, he affirmed that it was a part of his journey to improve. “I was in great shape, but there’s always room to improve,” he reflected. He also mentioned that with the right preparation, the outcome of the fight could have been different.
Adesanya shared that he no longer focuses on taking things personally, even after opponents attack his character. He expressed that it’s just business and that he is now more focused on himself and the process of becoming a better fighter.
Dricus vs Sean: Excitement for the Match-Up
When discussing the upcoming fight between Dricus Du Plessis and Sean Strickland, Adesanya acknowledged it as an exciting match but said that he had already anticipated it happening. “I knew it was coming,” he stated. However, he was impressed by Dricus’s performance against Robert Whittaker, which made him eager to face Dricus in the future.
Retirement: Not Yet
A question that many fans have is whether Israel Adesanya is considering retirement, especially given his extensive accomplishments in the sport. Adesanya reassured fans that he is not thinking about retirement anytime soon. “I’m not thinking about retiring yet, I still have a lot of goals to achieve, and I still love the sport,” he explained.
Future Goals and Personal Aspirations
Adesanya also revealed some of his personal goals in MMA, beyond winning titles. He expressed a desire to secure a submission victory, something he hasn’t done in his career yet. “I don’t care about the belt anymore, I want to get someone’s ankle on,” Adesanya shared.
Reflecting on his journey, Adesanya acknowledged how much he has accomplished and how grateful he is for his position in the sport. “A lot of people who get into the UFC never even experience a fraction of what I’ve experienced,” he said, adding that now he wants to “do it differently” rather than simply doing it right. He mentioned how he’s become more disciplined, even using a sleep tracking ring to monitor his rest.
Looking Forward to Fighting in Saudi Arabia
Adesanya is also excited about fighting in Saudi Arabia for the first time. He mentioned how he has attended fights there as a spectator but is eager to experience the crowd and the atmosphere as a fighter. “The crowd in Saudi is very respectful, and I’m looking forward to performing in front of them,” he stated.
Manifesting Success Day by Day
When it comes to his mindset heading into the fight, Adesanya said he’s focusing on taking things day by day. “I’m just manifesting how I’m going to train today, how I’m going to get better today,” he explained. He described his approach as being about staying in the moment, improving each day, and handling whatever challenges come his way.
A New Mindset
Adesanya also reflected on his approach to fighting, stating that he’s become a more relaxed individual. “I’ve achieved my dreams in this game,” he said. “I’m just enjoying it now.” Despite his success, he remains hungry for more challenges, including his goal of achieving a submission victory.
With his thoughts on his career and future goals, Israel Adesanya continues to show growth as a fighter and a person. While he has achieved much, he is still determined to push himself further, embrace new challenges, and continue to evolve in the world of MMA.
