Israel Adesanya had a similar reaction to us all when Conor McGregor made his emphatic return.
UFC middleweight champion Adesanya gathered with his friends early Sunday afternoon in New Zealand to watch McGregor take on Donald Cerrone in the main event of UFC 246, with the Kiwi, who is managed by the same Paradigm Sport Management company that represents McGregor, rooting for “The Notorious” on the night.
Initially relaxed and reclined as the fight began, it took just 30 seconds before Adesanya was forced to sit up as McGregor starting delivering his shoulder shots en route to finishing the fight. One head kick and a few strikes later, and McGregor had finished the job in just 40 seconds.
“Let’s go, my G,” Adesanya said when McGregor’s name was announced as the winner. The rest of his friends, who included his teammate and UFC lightweight Brad Riddell, were left in silence.
It appears they might have been on Team Cerrone, or just in shock at the swift finish as McGregor made a spectacular return after more than a year away from the cage. But then again, McGregor did score a 13-second knockout over Jose Aldo to claim the UFC featherweight crown at UFC 194.
But, real recognize real, as the undefeated Adesanya could very well become the promotion’s next superstar. In fact, he’s banking on it.
“(He) brought a lot of attention to our game, at a time when it needed it, and now I’m about to do the same.” Adesanya said after the fight.
Check out Adesanya’s reaction in the latest episode of “EMG Access,” which also features Adesanya’s preparation for his upcoming title defense vs. Yoel Romero at UFC 248.
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