Israel Adesanya defends himself from criticism for the 'attack' on Paulo Borrachinha: 'It's homophobia'

I. Adesanya defends himself from criticism for the attack on P. Borrachinha. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

The long-awaited middleweight (83,9kg) title fight between rivals Israel adesanya e Paulo borrachinha, UFC 253, continues to generate controversy. However, what is discussed in the meeting is not the performance of both, nor the knockout, but rather the famous 'assault' applied by the champion, with the opponent disoriented.

In an interview with the North American website MMA fighting, Adesanya defended himself against complaints regarding his gesture after the referee interrupted the fight, explaining that he only acted that way because the Brazilian made heavy trash talk and went further, accusing critics of homophobia.

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“Paulo had said so much nonsense and insulted me in so many different ways before the fight. My gesture was right after the fight was over and I was expected to be polite? Are you kidding me? I was gentle as I approached and asked if he would shake my hand. He greeted me and I thanked him for the fight. It was a justified act. This is homophobia! People are angry, wondering why I did that, saying I'm not a man, because they feel weird. They are questioning their own sexuality. Honestly, I don't give a shit what they think. I don’t think about it or plan anything,” Adesanya said.

The Nigerian explained that he turned Borrachinha into an example for the next opponents who attack him and hinted that he will not change his behavior.

“I was kind when I secretly texted him to ask how his leg was. I told Paulo he was disrespectful, so I was disrespectful too. If he was respectful, I would be too. I made an example of him. Afterwards, he made a video saying he was going to kill me. I'm not an idiot, but if you're an idiot to me, I'll reciprocate immediately,” he concluded.

The knockout applied by Israel adesanya em Paulo borrachinha It was the Nigerian's second middleweight title defense. Additionally, it represented his 100th victory in combat sports, including MMA, boxing and kickboxing.