Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya recently reflected on his memorable fight against Kelvin Gastelum, known for its incredible back-and-forth action and resilience displayed by both fighters.
Recalling the intensity of the bout, Adesanya stated, “I knew this was my defining moment. I`ve often said it, and people might think I`m exaggerating, but I was prepared to die in there. And what a way to go, what a glorious exit that would have been! But being ready to die also meant I was ready to inflict damage.”
Adesanya specifically highlighted Gastelum`s remarkable toughness and heart during the fight. “It`s incredibly difficult to finish Kevin. He`s hard to deter; I distinctly remember hitting him, and he just wouldn`t go down. He possesses immense willpower, he never quits… Before every round, he`d shake out his hands and just lock eyes with me. I understood then that he had no intention of backing down,” Adesanya shared during an appearance on the Pound 4 Pound podcast hosted by Kamaru Usman and Henry Cejudo.