Israel Adesanya has said that MMA fans should expect an entertaining showpiece when he comes face to face with the dangerous Jared Cannonier at UFC 276.
Ahead of the title fight this weekend, Adesanya said Cannonier would melt under the pressure on fight day.
Adesanya told Stake.com, “I’m going to f**k him up. It’s going to be bad. It’s going to be a showcase.
“So I’m saying that right now, mark my words, save this tweet, save this interview, whoever is listening – come back to the comments and talk s**t after I f**k him up.
“Fear is not a factor for me. I am about bettering myself, showcasing my skills, showcasing my martial arts and putting on a display the way I know how. I’m an artist and I really want to express myself on Jared come July 02.
“I like to prove people wrong. But what I like most is proving myself right. Everything I’ve said I was ever going to do before I even got in this game – I have done and then some.
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“Proving people wrong is just like the icing on the cake, so I can watch them cry their salty tears.”
Adesanya added that sharing a cage with him is a unique feeling, saying, “It’s something that can’t be described, it can only be felt, and only a privileged few have been able to feel that presence from me.
“I have no doubt in my mind that he’s going to feel my presence under those lights. It’s a different story when you are on the biggest show of the year, I’m used to this. It’s an acquired taste for me.
“It’s something I’ve been doing for a long time. He’s not used to this spotlight and he’s going to melt under the heat. And melt under the heat of my energy as well.
“He’s not used to the amount of media he’s going to have to do, he is not used to the amount of pressure or the amount of attention – it’s draining for most people. But I thrive under these circumstances.”
Adesanya, 32, brought entertainment to the weight class since becoming UFC middleweight champion in only his 18th fight.
And he will be hoping to add Cannonier’s name to his list of victims in this weekend’s fight at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena.
PUNCH
Super Eagles seal AFCON 2025 spot, draw 1-1 against Benin
Victor Osimhen’s late header helped the Super Eagles of Nigeria secure a 1-1 draw against Benin Republic in Abidjan, clinching their qualification for the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Benin, playing their matches in Côte d’Ivoire, took an early lead in the 16th minute when Mohammed Tijani headed in a short corner.
The goal followed a period of sustained pressure from the Beninoise side on the Nigerian defence.
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Benin nearly doubled their advantage shortly afterwards, but goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali made a crucial save to keep Nigeria in the game.
Osimhen threatened as the first half progressed, with a powerful header that narrowly missed the target.
In the second half, Benin came close again, but a shot veered inches wide of the right post, sparing the Eagles further trouble.
With nine minutes remaining, Osimhen rose to the occasion, connecting with a precise cross from Moses Simon to level the score at 1-1.
With this result, the Super Eagles top Group D with 11 points from five matches, while Benin hold second place with seven points.
BREAKING: Super Eagles qualify for AFCON 2025
The Super Eagles of Nigeria have secured their qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, following Libya’s 1-0 victory over Rwanda in Kigali.
This result leaves Rwanda with five points from five matches, rendering them unable to surpass Nigeria in the standings, even if they win their upcoming match against the Super Eagles in Uyo.
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Currently, Nigeria leads Group D with 10 points, followed by Benin with six points, Rwanda with five, and Libya at the bottom with four points.
Benin remains in contention for the second qualification spot and will face Nigeria in a crucial match tonight.
Libya is set to host Benin in the final Group D game on Monday.
Mike Tyson back in ring to face Youtuber Paul
Nearly 40 years after making his professional debut, and 19 years after being battered into retirement, a 58-year-old Mike Tyson will climb back into the ring on Friday for a Netflix-backed bout that has drawn widespread condemnation across the boxing world.
Tyson, who terrorised the heavyweight division during an imperious reign in the late 1980s, is lacing up the gloves once more to take on Youtuber Jake Paul, 27, in an officially sanctioned fight at AT&T Stadium, the home of the Dallas Cowboys, in Arlington, Texas.
The fight, which will be comprised of eight two-minute rounds, was initially due to take place in July but was postponed in May after Tyson required medical treatment on a flight from Miami to Los Angeles after vomiting blood due to a bleeding ulcer.
That gory mid-air emergency has provided another piece of ammunition for the numerous critics who have condemned Friday’s contest as a macabre circus act that poses an unacceptable level of risk for Tyson, who last graced a professional ring in 2005, when he was beaten via a technical knockout after quitting on his stool against Irish journeyman Kevin McBride.
“Twenty years ago, Mike Tyson retired from boxing, and was shot to pieces, right? I mean, completely shot,” the prominent British fight promoter Eddie Hearn said this week.
“If anyone thinks that Mike Tyson should be in a ring at this age, you either have absolutely no emotional feelings toward the man, or you’re an idiot. It shouldn’t be happening.”
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Hearn’s rival promoter Frank Warren echoed those sentiments.
“Mike Tyson is 58 years of age and he shouldn’t be fighting,” Warren said after the bout was announced. “It’s as simple as that.
“Anyone with an ounce of brains knows that it is ridiculous. You can be on a motorway stuck in a traffic jam and you get to the end of it and all it is is people who have stopped to look at a crash — and that’s what this is.”
Tyson, who US reports say is being paid around $20 million for Friday’s contest, has brushed off the concerns for his wellbeing, insisting when critics from the boxing world are motivated by jealousy.
“I’m beautiful, that’s all I can say,” he said earlier this year. “The people who said that wish they were up here. No-one else can do this.”
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