The fight community is just days away from one of the most stacked cards of the year so far. The UFC has picked up some of the most spectacular matchups for the promotion’s return to Miami. The main event will witness Israel Adesanya battle it out with Alex Pereira for the second time in the Octagon. However, ‘The Last Stylebender‘ always loves to make statements even before he gets locked inside the cage.
Ever since his debut in the promotion, the 33-year-old has always tried to one-up his upcoming even before entering the Octagon. Right from his flashy appearances to captivating walkouts, Israel has never shied away from expressing himself. Adesanya has also never ceased to grab an opportunity to style over his opponents when it comes to pre-fight press conference ‘drips’.
Israel looks to avenge his recent loss at UFC 287 after Alex Pereira knocked him out in the fifth round of their first UFC outing last November. The duo faced each other off for the second time in the UFC at the pre-fight presser. The duo was joined by other notable stars on the stage like Jorge Masvidal, Gilbert Burns, and the rising prospect Raul Rosas Jr.
However, the outspoken Kiwi’s fashion sense tonight has become the talk of the MMA town. ‘Izzy’ showed up in a sleeveless white shirt and a long maroon-colored loincloth. However, what has grabbed the most eyeballs is a dog collar that Israel chose to rock during the presser.
The hidden meaning behind Israel Adesanya’s Attire
Israel Adesanya has always been one to openly express what’s in his mind. The former middleweight champion has been very public about his passion for anime, manga, and video games. Adesanya has had numerous anime references in his UFC journey so far, paying homage to his favorite characters.
Ahead of their rematch, the Nigerian-born Kiwi has chosen to ooze subtle meanings through his pre-fight attire. During the presser, Israel mentioned that this is his final chance at beating his arch-nemesis Alex Pereira. and because of this, the 33-year-old chose to walk out with a dog collar around his neck, ready to be let loose.
“I’m a dog. It’s a dog collar and I’m about to be unleashed,” Israel said at the press conference. He also mentioned that he doesn’t care to attain the belt either and is just a dog ready to hunt. Israel added, “F**k the belt. I’m going to rip his [Alex Pereira’s] head off. I’m a dog on a leash, and I’m about to be let loose.”
However, to fans’ surprise, Israel’s recent attire didn’t seem to embody an anime reference. Instead, it pays homage to a 2005 movie called ‘Unleashed’. The story revolves around the character of Danny (played by Jet Li). Danny acts as a loan shark’s bodyguard, who relentlessly attacks a given target once his collar comes off, an energy that Adesanya carried throughout tonight’s conference.
It is most certainly an eccentric outfit but ‘Izzy’ has always expressed himself using his fashion sense in the past. Who do you think wins in the main event of UFC 287? Let us know in the comments down below.
