Watch: Israel Adesanya and Kamaru Usman have a wholesome reunion at UFC 281 weigh-ins

UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya and former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman had a wholesome reunion backstage prior to the UFC 281 ceremonial weigh-ins. Additionally, Adesanya was greeted by UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou.

In a video posted to his YouTube channel, Israel Adesanya featured his meeting with Kamaru Usman. Adesanya, a Nigerian-born New Zealand fighter, has been a friend and incredibly vocal supporter of the Nigerian-American Usman over the past few years. Both fighters were all smiles when they met each other, with 'Izzy' notably stating:

"Trust me. Enjoy this one. I'm glad you're here."

Israel Adesanya and Kamaru Usman have consistently expressed pride in their Nigerian and African heritage. They're heralded among the biggest combat sports stars from the continent of Africa.

Besides, alongside Cameroon's Francis Ngannou, the trio are often referred to as the three kings of Africa in the sport of MMA. Ngannou, for his part, has time and again shed light upon the significance of representing Africa in MMA and helping popularize the sport throughout his continent.

Akin to Usman, 'The Predator' is also set to attend the UFC 281 event tonight (November 12th, 2022) to watch Adesanya fight. Greeting Ngannou during their backstage meeting before the UFC 281 ceremonial weigh-ins, Adesanya said:

"Good to see you, man." Adesanya added, "Enjoy the show."

Watch Adesanya's interactions with Usman and Ngannou at 3:54 and 4:30 in the video below:

---

Michael Bisping on Israel Adesanya's potential gameplan against Alex Pereira at UFC 281

Reigning UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya will defend his title against archnemesis Alex Pereira at UFC 281 at Madison Square Garden in New York tonight. They've previously clashed twice, albeit in the sport of kickboxing. Pereira won their first fight via unanimous decision in 2016 and emerged victorious again via third-round KO in their rematch in 2017.

Michael Bisping recently broke down the upcoming Adesanya-Pereira MMA matchup. He suggested that notwithstanding the losses to Pereira, Adesanya is more than capable of beating 'Poatan.' Taking to his YouTube channel, Bisping indicated that Pereira knocked 'Izzy' out with 12 ounce kickboxing gloves and could do it easier with the deadlier 4 ounce MMA gloves.

'The Count' believes Adesanya is well aware of this and won't take unnecessary risks at UFC 281. Predicting a defensive performance from 'The Last Stylebender,' Bisping explained that he could outsmart and defeat Pereira:

"You better bet your bottom dollar he's [Israel Adesanya] going to be defensive against a guy that beat him twice at his own game. Of course, as we know, one time knocked him out. Therefore, I think Izzy is going to take his time and not rush forward."

Watch Bisping's assessment in the video below: