Before achieving undisputed UFC middleweight champion status with a memorable octagon performance against Robert Whittaker, Israel Adesanya delivered one of the most iconic walkouts in UFC history.
In Melbourne, Australia, Adesanya performed a brief choreographed dance at the entrance before walking to the octagon, ultimately unifying the UFC’s 185-pound title by brutally knocking out Whittaker.
More than five years later, “The Last Stylebender” discussed the origins of the dance and walkout on the Our Yeah podcast.
Adesanya explained the walkout was simply for enjoyment. He recounted preparing the night before, watching a practice run on his phone before sleeping, thinking how impressive it would look. He added that he wasn`t concerned about the actual fight because the preparation was complete.
Although Adesanya almost finished Whittaker in the first round, he secured the win in Round 2, landing a powerful left hook that ended “The Reaper’s” night and marked the biggest victory of Adesanya`s career at that point.
Currently, Adesanya faces career uncertainty after losing three consecutive fights and four of his last five. His two most recent bouts saw him stopped by Nasourdine Imavov at UFC Saudi Arabia earlier this year and defeated by middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis at UFC 305 in August.
