Israel Adesanya Reflects on Viral Road Rage Incident

Israel Adesanya, the former UFC middleweight champion, opened up about a September road rage incident in Auckland, New Zealand. Speaking on the FLAGRANT podcast, Adesanya detailed how the confrontation unfolded, offering insights into his mindset and reflections on violence, legal risks, and social media’s role.

A Peaceful Morning Disrupted

Adesanya recounted how a normal day spiraled into conflict. After finishing his morning training, he drove to Auckland’s K Road, a popular spot for local pies. Known for engaging with fans, he stopped for photos and autographs. Things turned tense when a man in a car circled back to confront him.

“He saw my car, stopped, and shouted, ‘Izzy, one outs!’” Adesanya explained, referring to a slang term for one-on-one fighting in New Zealand. At first, he brushed it off, laughing at the absurdity.

The situation escalated when Adesanya casually demonstrated his car’s vertical doors, a move that enraged the man further. Blocking Adesanya’s car, the man aggressively confronted him.

Legal Concerns and Self-Control

Adesanya recalled weighing the legal implications of physical retaliation. As a professional fighter, his hands are considered weapons under New Zealand law, making any act of violence potentially career-ending.

“I fight for millions. I’m not going to knock your ass out for free,” Adesanya told the man. However, the aggressor replied, “I fight for free—for the streets and my pride.” Reflecting on this, Adesanya said, “I thought, ‘You’re f***ing stupid.’”

He admitted feeling conflicted, particularly after remembering a friend who died in a street fight.

“If I had hit him and he fell the wrong way, I wouldn’t be here today,” he shared.

Social Media and Bystanders

The behavior of onlookers added frustration to the situation. Adesanya lamented how only one person offered to call the police, while others filmed the confrontation. “Everyone just had their cameras out,” he said, criticizing how social media encourages spectatorship over action.

Lessons in Restraint

The confrontation ended when Adesanya spat at the man, a move he described as both a deterrent and a test. “If he spat back, it’s on,” Adesanya admitted. Despite the provocation, he refrained from physical violence.

He emphasized that restraint is crucial for fighters like him.

“I don’t like street fights, but if you bring the problem, I’ll solve it,” he concluded. Adesanya contrasted his reaction with how teammate Dan Hooker might have responded: “Dan’s a beast. He wouldn’t knock him out, but he’d put him to sleep.”

Source
For more, visit: MMAnytt.se