Israel Adesanya has begun talking up his next Middleweight title defence against Sean Strickland with a firm warning.
At UFC 293 middleweight champion Israel Adesanya (24-2-0) will meet the #5 ranked contender Sean Strickland. The event, which will take place in Sydney Australia will be Adesanya’s first defence since regaining the belt from Alex Pereira in April. Israel finished that fight with a spectacular knockout in the second round.
Sean Strickland (27-5-0) is coming off a TKO win against Abus Magomedov in July, adding to his January win over Nasourdin Imavov Strickland is now on a 2 fight win streak. The California native has a straight-talking approach to fight promotion, however, in the lead-up to this fight, Adesanya has warned him off that approach.
Israel Adesanya Lays Out the Consequences for Trash Talking
Recently on his youtube channel Israel Adesanya spoke about the matchup with Strickland:
“Just some loudmouth talking over and louder than you to try and seem like he’s got something to say. He has nothing to say really, he just wants to – I know the guy. I’ve seen him. I’ve pressed him before. It’s for show, so I just know what it is.”
“That’s why most people are excited about the press conference because that’s his spot to shine, I guess. But I can rap, too. I just decide when I use my mouth and when I don’t. … If he’s talking to me, he’s going to get his jaw broken because when you’re talking, you’re not focused on the task at hand. Look at (Paulo) Costa.”
Adesanya Details How He Thinks the Fight Will Go
As well as that explicit warning, Israel discussed how he thinks the fight plays out:
“Even if it’s five rounds of just dominance and styling on him, display of martial arts, I will be happy with that. But I just don’t see that happening. I’m going to knock him out. One plus one is two: I’m going to knock him out.”
“He’s got a nice guard. He’s got a good jab. Also, let’s be honest: He’s crazy. He’s crazy. That’s the X factor. But again, so am I.”
Quotes credited to mmajunkie.com
What do you think of Stricklands’ trash talk? Is it too much or entertaining? Let us know in the comments
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What do you think of Stricklands’ trash talk? Is it too much or entertaining? Let us know in the comments
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
