The UFC appreciated Israel Adesanya's performance at UFC 221 enough to give the 28-year-old a fight-night bonus award in his debut bout with the promotion. However, according to Adesanya, UFC brass was less than pleased with his actions after he knocked out Rob Wilkinson in the second-round of that middleweight contest.
Not long after Adesanya finished Wilkinson with punches and knees, he mimicked urinating inside the octagon. During his post-fight interview, Adesanya explained his actions.
"Middleweights, I'm the new dog in the yard and I just (expletive) all over this cage," Adesanya told UFC commentator Jon Anik.
After the event, which took place at Perth Arena in Perth, Australia, Adesanya was a topic of conversation among fans and media. It turns out he was also someone the UFC brass we're speaking about in private.
"They told my manager that, 'We handle a lot of sponsors, millions of dollars in sponsors. So for him to pretend to be with his (expletive) out and shaking it after he pees as well or whatever, it's not really a good look,'" Adesanya told "Top Turtle Podcast."
Adesanya take on the subject is that it's a little weird to think a sponsor of the UFC would be the least bit concerned with what he may pantomime inside the cage during his post-fight celebration.
"For me, how I see it is, (expletive), what are the sponsors worried about - me pretending to whip an imaginary (expletive) out and pee everywhere to mark my territory or just watching me just beat the (expletive) out of a dude?" Adesanya asked.
"The rest of the strikers in this division...you're on notice." -- @jimmysmithmma
Israel Adesanya wins his debut at #UFC221 over Rob Wilkinson! https://t.co/4D2GhxOjen
— FOX Sports: UFC (@UFCONFOX) February 11, 2018
"Any top dog would do it," Adesanya continued. "My stench is still there. Whenever I get back into the cage, I'm sure I'll smell it."
The win over Wilkinson moved Adesanya's record to 12-0. He's won each of those bouts by way of knockout. His next fight is scheduled to take place at UFC on FOX 29 where he will face Marvin Vettori.
