
Andrew Schulz's Flagrant with Akaash Singh
"Even if you had like destroyed me five rounds and then killed me at the end of flatline me, I still have, I'd have downspirits of course. I'm human. But it sucks to lose, don't get me wrong. I love winning, I love winning. But I'm still grateful." — Israel Adesanya
"I like when my back's on the wall, I like when people doubt me, I like when I got the chips in a dip, you know what I mean? 'Cause like, I've always thrived in that position." — Israel Adesanya
"People aren't me. They're not me. But they're looking at this from their lands, like if I was in his position, they would even fucking be my position. No, no, no, no, no, it's, I don't think it's that. I think it's, people really care about you." — Israel Adesanya
The episode features UFC Middleweight Champion Israel Adesanya in an in-depth discussion following a recent fight. Adesanya elaborates on the strategic nuances of his bout, including managing an injured leg and adapting his wrestling and striking approaches throughout the match. He reflects on the importance of resilience and how external perceptions can differ from personal experience, highlighting the value of unwavering support from his inner circle.
Adesanya also touches upon his career trajectory, discussing past potential roles in film and his commitment to remaining active as a champion. The conversation delves into the psychological aspects of competition, emphasizing his preference for operating as an underdog and drawing motivation from doubt. He shares insights into his training regimen, the challenges of weight cutting, and his philosophy on handling disappointment, noting that true growth comes from navigating adversity.
The discussion broadens to include the broader impact of athletes and the importance of genuine connection. Adesanya expresses gratitude for the support he receives, contrasting it with the superficial praise that often accompanies success. He also reflects on the evolution of his public persona and the storytelling aspect of his career, likening it to an unfolding narrative that resonates with his audience. The episode concludes with a forward-looking perspective on his career and the continuous pursuit of excellence.