Israel Adesanya and Sean Strickland engaged in a contentious exchange during the UFC 293 press conference, and this time, their clash revolved around Monster Energy. Adesanya, the reigning middleweight champion, will defend his title against Strickland on Saturday in Sydney.
Strickland has repeatedly mocked Adesanya for carrying the Chinese flag during his kickboxing days, even going as far as to refer to him as the Chinaman. However, Adesanya fired back by questioning Strickland’s decision to sign a sponsorship deal with Monster Energy, a brand that has faced criticism from fighters like Dominick Cruz due to its owner, Hans Molenkamp.
During the press conference, Strickland expressed his readiness to face Adesanya, saying, I’m ready to give it to the Gods to fight the f*cking Chinaman…I’m ready to embrace the Bisping, to give up the f*cking eye. I’m ready to give what it f*cking needs to give because not only do I represent America, but I represent you guys.
Strickland further criticized Adesanya, claiming that he doesn’t truly represent his country and accusing him of swearing allegiance to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). In response, Adesanya called out Strickland for recently signing with Monster Energy and questioned the lengths he went to secure the deal.
Adesanya highlighted that Monster Energy often signs his opponents and becomes their fan as soon as he is set to fight them. He attributed this to his refusal to sell out and compromise his values. Adesanya asked Strickland, What did you have to do to that pig-headed f*ck? What did you have to do to sell your soul to get that deal?
The heated exchange between the two fighters demonstrates the intense rivalry and personal dynamics at play ahead of their highly anticipated middleweight title fight. Their clash over Monster Energy adds another layer of tension to an already charged atmosphere.
UFC 293 will take place at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, with the main card available on pay-per-view. Fans can expect an intense showdown between Adesanya and Strickland as they vie for the middleweight championship. Whether their verbal sparring translates into an equally fierce fight inside the octagon remains to be seen.
For more details about the upcoming event, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 293.
