Nothing abnormal about crying says Adesanya

Nigeria born New Zealand mixed martial arts star Israel Adesanya has revealed he cried backstage after disappointment in his recent wins adding however that there is nothing wrong with shedding tears if need be.

The UFC middleweight champion who is billed to defend his title against Alex Pereira later this week has won three fights in a row via decision, with some fans criticising him for a lack of stoppage victories.

There was a rise in criticism of the “Last Stylebender” after his most recent title defence, a decision win against Jared Cannonier in July. After Adesanya walked to the ring to the theme music of WWE star The Undertaker, while sporting elements of the wrestling legend’s attire, fans expected a statement win from the 33-year-old. Instead, Adesanya outpointed Cannonier with an impressive but largely risk-free striking performance.

“I don’t hold onto things, I let myself feel them,” Adesanya said on The MMA Hour on Monday (7 September). “People try to deny things and block it, [but] if you fight your emotions, they’ll get you later on. So, I feel it.

“I cried backstage. Me and Eugene [Bareman, coach] hugged it out, and he told me: ‘Don’t worry, you’ll be fine.’ I was like: ‘Just give me a bourbon, I’ll be fine.’

“So, I expressed it, feel it, and I let it go. It’s a good way to release emotions… it relaxes you. It’s just a normal human function, I don’t know why we shame it.”

READ ALSO Adesanya to defend title against Pereira November

On Saturday (12 November), Adesanya defends his title against Alex Pereira, who holds two wins over Adesanya – including a knockout  from the pair’s kickboxing days.

Adesanya will look to remain unbeaten at middleweight in MMA in Saturday’s clash with Pereira; the UFC champion’s sole defeat in MMA having come while challenging for light heavyweight gold last year.

Meanwhile, Pereira, 35, holds a 6-1 pro MMA record, with five knockout wins to his name. Most recently, the Brazilian knocked out Sean Strickland on the undercard of Adesanya’s win against Cannonier.