UFC Middleweight Champion Israel Adesanya is set to fight Sean Strickland and has promised to show off his painted nails after winning, in response to previous insults from Strickland about Adesanya’s habits, while also criticizing Strickland’s behavior and theatrics.
Israel Adesanya, the UFC’s reigning middleweight champion, is well-known for his ability to retain statements and never misses a chance to retaliate pre-fight dismissals or post-fight parties, where he gladly reciprocates. In his upcoming September match at UFC 293, he has heard quite a bit from opponent Sean Strickland, with their verbal duel tracing back to a press conference confrontation in July 2022. Now that their fight is scheduled, Strickland has significantly elevated his rhetoric, disparaging the “class of champion” that Adesanya embodies, particularly critiquing his practice of nail painting. Adesanya, unbothered, was indeed paying attention.
Adesanya was frank in calling Strickland an idiot during an interaction with Stake.com. He unfazedly vowed not to lose to Strickland because of his ignorant comments, ‘Well, I’m going to paint my nails for that fight and I’m going to knock him out with my painted nails,’ he stated decisively. As they approach the fight, Adesanya is a heavy favorite to triumph over Strickland and efficaciously defend his title, nevertheless, this situation carries inherent risks.
Given the prediction of Strickland facing defeat, he virtually has nothing to lose, giving him the leeway to throw away any restraint and do whatever it takes to attempt an upset. On the other hand, Adesanya is projected to win but guarantees there will be no surprising headlines emerging from UFC 293, except for his intended emphatic victory declaration. Adesanya also made it clear that he’s not influenced by public opinion, ‘I only listen to me and my team and this guy… his energy…. The way he comes across and the way he tries to antagonize me,’ Adesanya stated.
Further, Adesanya shared that he’s had previous encounters with Strickland that has shaped his impression of the always expressive middleweight contender. Despite Strickland usually projecting a high-spirited image, Adesanya had a different experience when they bumped into each other backstage at a UFC event. Adesanya also revealed his dislike for the way Strickland enthusiastically participates in crazy training sessions during which he can be seen on video knocking out his sparring partners. However inviting the public finds Strickland’s performance in front of crowds, Adesanya considers him inauthentic, stating” ‘He’s a fake guy.’ For Adesanya, his vision is “to paint my nails and knock him out”, and this is what motivates him for the fight, to actualize this image he has conceived in his mind.