Israel Adesanya rules out rematch and expresses gratitude to rival who brutally beat him

Israel adesanya He is a former UFC champion. Photo: Reproduction/UFC Europe

Apparently, there is no hard feelings when it comes to Israel adesanya. The Nigerian was knocked out by Nassourdine Imavov No. UFC Saudi Arabia and although he entered the octagon with the goal of winning, the former champion does not hold any grudges against the Frenchman. On the contrary, he feels gratitude.

During a press conference at UFC 312, Adesanya stated that he sees no need to seek a rematch with Imavov unless there is a belt on the line in the future. For him, defeats are part of the sport, and there is no reason to insist on a rematch without a greater reason.

“People ask me about the rematch with Imavov. I say, why? There’s no need, unless down the road it’s for a belt. Maybe he becomes champion and I find my way there, but I don’t think I need to get that fight back. That’s not how fighting works. That’s not how I see it, unless it’s a personal thing, but no. We had a fair fight, he beat me, good game, we move on,” Adesanya said.

Adesanya values ​​UFC Saudi Arabia experience and dismisses regrets

Adesanya stated that he does not regret anything about his unfortunate night at UFC Saudi Arabia and values ​​the fight as a positive experience, regardless of the result. For him, each fight is part of history, even in defeats. The former champion highlighted his gratitude for having competed fairly, for coming out unscathed and for having the support of his family.

“To be honest, I wouldn’t change anything. The opportunity to feel these moments, regardless of the outcome, is always making history. I make history even when I lose. I’m grateful to Imavov because we had a fair fight. I’m grateful that I didn’t get hurt. I’m grateful that my family came to support me. I was able to take them to a place like Dubai and just hang out with my brothers. I think people expect me to react the way they would react, but they don’t understand. You didn’t do what I did. So we’re not the same. I was grateful for that moment. I’m grateful for the week, and I’m grateful for tonight as well,” concluded the Nigerian.

With the defeat to Nassourdine Imavov, Adesanya suffered his third consecutive defeat and accumulated his fourth defeat in the last five fights of his career.