TMZSports.com
Israel Adesanya is confident that he will knock out Sean Strickland. The UFC middleweight champion has warned Strickland that if he keeps talking during the fight, he will break his jaw.
In an interview with TMZ Sports, Adesanya stated, “I do wanna shut him up and I’m gonna shut him up. I’m gonna break his jaw if he keeps talkin’ to me while he’s in there, trust. When you’re talkin’, you never know when a shot’s coming, the jab can hit you while your mouth open and send your jaw to the back of your head.”
The fight between Adesanya and Strickland is set to headline UFC 293 in Australia on September 9. Adesanya believes that Strickland should be grateful for the opportunity to fight him and should accept the inevitable defeat.
According to Adesanya, “He should just thank me. He got his passport, he got the fight, he gets to travel out of the country for the first time, actually see the world instead of being a f***ing hillbilly and yeah, he should thank me. Should really appreciate the fact that I got him the opportunity and he’s gonna get paid, he can buy his boat and then he can f*** off and make other opportunities.”
Adesanya is coming off a massive victory against Alex Pereira at UFC 287, where he regained his belt with a 2nd round knockout.
Meanwhile, Strickland has won his last two fights against Nassourdine Imavov and Abusupiyan Magomedov in 2023.
Originally, Adesanya was supposed to fight the number 1 contender, Dricus Du Plessis, but due to Du Plessis’ injury, Strickland, who is ranked 5th, got the opportunity to face Adesanya.
When asked if Strickland deserves the fight, Adesanya replied, “Do I think he deserves it? I think he’s been in there long enough to earn it. To step in there with me, my ego says no. My ego says we’re levels above. He knows it. I know but he knows he still has a chance of winning this fight. I just have to make sure it’s the minimalist chance ever. That’s my job.”
“I know he’s dangerous because a man with everything to gain and nothing to lose is a f**kin’ dangerous man but I have a habit of making dangerous men look easy.”
FAQs
1. When is the fight between Israel Adesanya and Sean Strickland?
The fight is scheduled to take place on September 9, as the headline event at UFC 293 in Australia.
2. Will Adesanya really break Strickland’s jaw if he talks during the fight?
Adesanya has stated that he will break Strickland’s jaw if he continues to talk during the fight. However, whether or not this will actually happen remains to be seen.
3. How did Strickland earn the opportunity to fight Adesanya?
Due to an injury to the original opponent, Dricus Du Plessis, Strickland, who is ranked 5th, was given the opportunity to fight Adesanya.
Conclusion
Israel Adesanya is ready to defend his UFC middleweight title against Sean Strickland. Adesanya has warned Strickland about talking during the fight and has vowed to break his jaw if he continues. The fight is highly anticipated and is set to take place on September 9. Adesanya believes that Strickland should be grateful for the opportunity and that he will make sure Strickland regrets challenging him.