5 best post-fight celebrations of Israel Adesanya in the UFC

#2. UFC 253: Israel Adesanya vs. Paulo Costa

Israel Adesanya vs. Paulo Costa was among the most hotly anticipated UFC fights of 2020. The pair had developed a bitter rivalry, badmouthing each other at every opportunity leading up to the contest.

The fight, however, was a one-sided affair. The champion controlled the pace and landed vicious leg kicks. Costa took a defensive approach in round one. Unable to properly move with a beaten-up leg, Costa became desperate. In round two he swung wildly, and Adesanya dropped him with a counter-left hook.

After the finish, Izzy began his celebration with a controversial move. He appeared to hump a downed Costa before going over to his corner. He shook Eugene Bareman's hand, looked into the camera and spoke in Nigerian:

''I had to make you all remember. I had to remind the world why we the best.”

This was Izzy's response to some fans who labeled him boring after the Yoel Romero fight. He then breakdanced on the octagon floor. During the official decision, he danced some more.

Costa felt disrespected at how Izzy commenced his celebration. There is still bad blood between the pair.

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#1. UFC 243: Israel Adesanya vs. Robert Whittaker

After joining the UFC, Israel Adesanya went on a five-fight win streak. He fought for the interim middleweight title against Kelvin Gastelum. Izzy out-pointed Gastelum and earned his chance to fight champion Robert Whittaker. UFC 243 happened in Australia, where the crowd supported Whittaker.

Adesanya's walkout was one of the best in UFC history. His performance inside the octagon was equally impressive. He outstruck Whittaker and dropped him in the first round, but the Aussie was saved by the bell. In the second round, he dropped Whittaker again with a counter-left hook and jumped on him for the finish.

'The Last Stylebender' immediately took to the center of the octagon. He gestured as if he was firing a machine gun. He scaled the cage and blew kisses to the crowd. However, the best part of the celebration came a little later. Adesanya invited his parents into the octagon. He then put the title down in front of their feet and bowed down. He also called out Paulo Costa in the post-fight interview.

At UFC 243, the Nigerian celebrated his win and his dominance over the division. Most importantly, he celebrated the people who brought him into this world.