Israel Adesanya, the UFC Middleweight Champion, has explained why he mocked the son of his Brazilian opponent, Alex Pereira, following his victory at UFC 287.
It will be remembered that Pereira’s son was mocked by the ‘last stylebender’ when he defeated him via knockout at UFC 287 on April 9, 2023, to recapture the UFC Middleweight title he lost to him last year.
His action, afterwards, sparked resentment among some fans who called him out for ‘unnecessarily’ taking a jibe at the little boy after beating his father.
However, in a recent interview with XcellentMMA, Adesanya revealed that he did that to teach the boy ‘manners’ and respect’.
Adesanya said this became necessary with his grouse at the little boy for previously mocking him after his dad defeated him to emerge Middleweight champion.
He said, “The guy [Pereira] knocked me out in his home country. And then you see your kid doing that [mocking me] and you don’t have the discipline to scold him.
“If you are not going to teach your kid manners and respect, I will. So, I did him a favour. I did that kid a favour. Now he has a life lesson that he can hold on to forever. I’m glad I did it.”