Andrew Schulz's Flagrant with Akaash Singh
Andrew Schulz's Flagrant with Akaash Singh
"The longer you defend a belt, the less risk you take... you stop doing that. It's not just about me. I got to defend the belt. It's not just about me, it's about, you know, when I win and I have the belt, there's a lot of people that eat." — Israel Adesanya
"I don't like street fights. I don't like confrontation. But if you bring the problem, then I'm going to solve the problem." — Israel Adesanya
"I've never felt that... when I lost it in MSG It was kind of like, let's do it again, and then it wasn't until even when I lost it is trickling I still felt like, you know that talking about back and it still is But after this fight, I was kind of like, well Man like I wasn't attached to the result. I just wanted to show off. I wanted to fight and I did." — Israel Adesanya
The episode opens with an anecdote from Israel Adesanya detailing a road rage incident, highlighting his preference for de-escalation despite his combat prowess. The conversation then shifts to more personal territory, with Adesanya sharing his recent experience becoming a father, including the humorous and challenging aspects of childbirth and early parenthood. He reflects on his career, particularly the evolution of his motivations after long championship reigns, noting a desire to take more risks and embrace a more entertaining fighting style now that the pressure of solely defending the belt has lessened. The hosts and Adesanya delve into the psychological aspects of fighting, discussing how champions adapt and the importance of finding new challenges and sources of motivation.
The discussion broadens to cover broader life philosophies, including dealing with adversity, the pursuit of happiness beyond material success, and the impact of significant life changes. There are reflections on cultural differences, personal upbringing in Nigeria, and experiences with spirituality and traditional practices. The conversation touches upon the challenges of maintaining discipline and focus in a demanding profession and the complexities of fame and public perception. Throughout the episode, Adesanya shares insights into his training regimen, his approach to risk-taking in fights, and his perspective on legacy, emphasizing a desire for continued personal growth and enjoyment of the sport.
Towards the end, the discussion shifts to upcoming fights in the UFC, including the highly anticipated Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall bout, and broader reflections on the nature of competition and fighter motivation. The hosts and guests explore the unique pressures and psychological demands of professional fighting, the importance of self-awareness, and the continuous search for meaning and purpose both inside and outside the octagon.