Israel Adesanya facing Alex Poatan and Plínio Cruz at UFC 312. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube
If before Alex Poatan and Israel Adesanya starred in a fierce rivalry in combat sports, now the game has completely turned around. And proof of the good relationship between the athletes happened last Saturday (4). While watching the rematch between the Brazilian and Magomed Ankalaev , held in Las Vegas (USA), 'The Last Stylebender' couldn't contain his enthusiasm with the aggressive posture of his old acquaintance.
In the reaction video, available on his official YouTube channel, Adesanya, who expressed his support for the Brazilian, screamed and laughed as the fight unfolded. A specialist in striking, the Nigerian was amused to see Poatan going all out on the attack. After the athlete knocked out Ankalaev in just over a minute, Israel celebrated his former rival's achievement, applauded him, and shouted, "Bring it on!"
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“He's on! He's got him and he's got him where he wants to go. He's not messing around! Holy shit! Look at him. He's on! I see his eyes. Look at his eyes. Go, finish him. Find the shot. Go, Herb (Dean)! That's it, it's over! Two-time light heavyweight champion. Wow! Once Ankalaev turned orthodox, I knew it was all over. Because it's like you're giving him the leg he likes. He came in and attacked immediately. Knockout for the champ,” analyzed the MMA legend.
From hater to friend?
After much back-and-forth over the years, Adesanya and Poatan have finally moved on. So much so that the UFC stars even attended a UFC event side by side in Australia. The Brazilian also revealed his interest in training with the Nigerian and invited him to partner up. Today, the athletes enjoy a cordial relationship and exchange compliments.
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