5 Israel Adesanya striking techniques

#2 Israel Adesanya: “I don't throw and hope, I aim and fire!”

Israel Adesanya was brutally knocked out in his kickboxing rematch with Alex Pereira

Former UFC Featherweight and Lightweight Champion “The Notorious” Conor McGregor had once famously said: “Precision beats power and timing beats speed.”

Well, the reigning Undisputed UFC Middleweight Champion Israel Adesanya echoes McGregor’s sentiments. The former, akin to McGregor, has often emphasized that precision is paramount towards the success of a striker. Power alone isn’t enough!

On that note, Adesanya had notably (no pun intended) put forth a tweet, stating –

“I don't throw and hope, I aim and fire!”

I don't throw and hope, I aim and fire! https://t.co/jXWoDmwOiL

— Israel Adesanya (@stylebender) July 5, 2018

Israel Adesanya and his kickboxing performances

Adesanya’s detractors have a penchant for highlighting his 2017 KO loss to Alex Pereira – A man who proved to be his nemesis during the former’s kickboxing career – A man who currently holds the GLORY Middleweight Championship as well as the GLORY Interim Light Heavyweight Title.

Adesanya emerged victorious in 75 of his 80 pro kickboxing bouts, with four of his losses coming via decision and only one coming by way of KO (the aforementioned loss to Pereira).

He’s previously lost via unanimous decision to Pereira in 2016, with the 2017 knockout loss, making Adesanya 0-2 against Pereira. Regardless, losing to Pereira isn’t something to be ashamed of – The Brazilian striker has been regarded as one of the best in the sport of kickboxing in recent years.

However, that’s beside the point. My intention behind harking back to Adesanya’s kickboxing losses to Pereira is to highlight the fact that in both fights Adesanya disregarded his own mantra -- “I don't throw and hope, I aim and fire!”.

Needless to say, it cost him dearly. That said, Adesanya learned from his mistakes, and has remained unwaveringly committed to his aforesaid mantra. Aim and fire…