Standing in the Octagon following his loss to Dricus du Plessis at UFC 305 on Saturday night, Israel Adesanya was disappointed but found solace in reflecting in real time.
The 35-year-old former two-time middleweight world champion was standing in the very RAC Arena in Perth Australia that his UFC career began in back in February 2018. He had just completed his 12th consecutive UFC title fight and although it marked the first losing streak of his stint within the company, "The Last Stylebender" had to acknowledge his UFC full circle before addressing his fighting future.
"I didn't think this far, I didn't manifest this," Adesanya began joking to Daniel Cormier in the Octagon following his loss.
"But I know everyone, you guys love me, this is where I started my career in the UFC, this is where I made my dream — right here in Perth," he continued when Cormier asked about his next move. "But look, I'm 35, I'm doing the right things.
He added, dsmantling any thoughts of retirement: "And I know all you motherf—ers want to see me lose, you want to see me down but watch this, I'm not f—ing leaving.
"I'm not f—ing leaving!"
And with that, Adesanya shook hands with Cormier and then embraced du Plessis in a sign of mutual respect to bury any lingering bad blood.
Prior to those comments, Adesanya expressed disappointment in his fourth-round submission (rear-naked choke) loss, but also was proud of his performance after a layoff of nearly one year as September 2023 was the last time he fought.
"I'm disappointed in myself but at the same time, I'm proud because this is the best I've ever felt, this is the best I've ever looked," Adesanya said, "and I just had the better man on the night and I'll give him respect for that."
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