Israel Adesanya has discussed his experiences with Sean Strickland‘s personal attacks in the lead-up to their fight, noting that Strickland can dish out insults but struggles to take them, and has predicted that Dricus du Plessis will win their upcoming bout at UFC 297.
Israel Adesanya knows the mess a fight with Sean Strickland can turn into. Strickland’s a pro at launching personal attacks, as Adesanya found out before their bout last September.
Strickland doesn’t hold back, whether it’s Adesanya or UFC welterweight Ian Machado Garry and his wife, Layla. He’s always got something to say. But when Dricus du Plessis, Strickland’s next opponent, brought up Strickland’s childhood trauma, the tables turned.
Strickland didn’t take it well. He even threatened to stab du Plessis if he went there again. This was ahead of their UFC 297 face-off on Saturday.
Adesanya didn’t pay much attention to the specifics. But he did notice Strickland’s double standards. Strickland’s fine with crossing lines, as long as he’s the one doing it.
Adesanya shared his thoughts on his YouTube channel. He noticed Strickland’s reaction, saying, “I heard that Sean got triggered.” He found Strickland’s response out of character but noted, “he can dish it but can’t take it.”
Adesanya believes everyone has a code. Some people will do anything to win, even if it means breaking their code. This could mean lying, taking things out of context, or targeting loved ones. Some even resort to steroids. But Adesanya has a line he won’t cross.
In an interview with comedian Theo Von, Strickland opened up about his childhood trauma. He broke down in tears. Adesanya had seen Strickland’s emotional side after their fight. He didn’t mock him, but he saw it as a potential weakness.
Adesanya recalled a moment after their fight. Strickland was crying, and Adesanya jokingly told him to stop. He found it ironic, considering Strickland’s previous jabs at him.
As for du Plessis, Adesanya doesn’t think highly of him either. He called du Plessis “fake” on camera but “real” in person. They had a heated exchange before a planned fight, which du Plessis had to pull out from due to an injury.
When it comes to the upcoming fight, Adesanya leans towards du Plessis. He believes du Plessis has a chance if he varies his attacks and doesn’t just stand in front of Strickland.
Adesanya lost to Strickland due to his inability to dodge a lead jab and pressure. He blames himself more than Strickland. He thinks du Plessis will try to wrestle Strickland and switch to grappling if Strickland’s jab lands.
After losing his title to Strickland, Adesanya took some time off. UFC CEO Dana White hinted at a rematch. It’s possible Adesanya might face the winner of the UFC 297 main event in 2024.
Who does Adesanya think will win? He’s betting on du Plessis. He doesn’t think the fight will go the distance. He respects Strickland, but he predicts a submission win for du Plessis.