Israel Adesanya (17-0) makes it look like he’s been doing this his entire life.
Whether dashing foward with a lightning jab, twisting his body to ward off a takedown attempt, or waiting for the perfect moment to strike with a slicing elbow strike, it’s the kind of movement normally reserved for ocean documentaries. But don’t let the finesse fool you. His power is that of a laser-guided whip. His toughness, as shown in April’s five-round Fight of the Year candidate with Kelvin Gastelum, belies his wiry frame and personal flamboyance.
Make absolutely no mistake whatsoever about it, though: Saturday’s main event with Robert Whittaker (20-4) in Melbourne, Australia at UFC 243—not far from their collective nation of New Zealand—with the undisputed middleweight title on the line, will be the toughest test of his life.