The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett Israel Adesanya: Becoming World Champion Was The Lowest Day Of My Life
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Mar 17, 2022 Israel Adesanya, the reigning UFC Middleweight champion and a master of striking, opens up about his difficult journey from Nigeria to New Zealand. He reveals how fighting became his outlet from bullying and self-doubt, and why becoming a champion didn’t bring him the happiness he anticipated. Adesanya discusses the challenges of managing fame and the importance of authentic relationships in grounding his identity. He emphasizes the significance of embracing one’s true self amid public scrutiny and reflects on his legacy and the pursuit of genuine fulfillment.
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UFC 243 Entrance
- Israel Adesanya used his elaborate entrance at UFC 243 as a way to distract himself from pre-fight anxiety.
- He focused on the performance aspect, viewing it as his own show and a form of authentic self-expression.
Moving to New Zealand
- Israel Adesanya's family moved from Nigeria to New Zealand for better educational opportunities.
- He was initially placed in a lower form despite being ahead of his classmates academically.
Experiencing Racism and Bullying
- Adesanya recalls experiencing racism and bullying after moving to New Zealand, leading to feelings of isolation.
- He describes an incident where he finally fought back against a bully, marking a turning point.