Tyrone Spong Praises Israel Adesanya as UFC’s Top Kickboxer While Commending Alex Pereira’s Achievements
Tyrone Spong Highlights Israel Adesanya’s Impact in UFC and Kickboxing
Tyrone Spong’s Decision to Pursue Boxing Over UFC
Although kickboxing legend Tyrone Spong was once on the brink of joining the UFC, he opted to make his mark in the world of boxing. Renowned for his achievements in combat sports, Spong recently spoke about Israel Adesanya, whom he considers the most successful kickboxer to transition into the octagon.
Israel Adesanya: A Trailblazer in MMA
Spong discussed the influence of fighters like Alex Pereira, who became a two-division champion in both UFC and GLORY kickboxing, and Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic. Initially, he considered both Pereira and Filipovic as the top kickboxer-to-MMA transitions. However, Spong ultimately named Israel Adesanya as the standout, citing Adesanya’s seamless transition from kickboxing to MMA after focusing solely on mixed martial arts in 2018.
Adesanya’s Remarkable UFC Journey
Following his retirement from kickboxing after a loss to Pereira in 2017, Adesanya joined the UFC and embarked on a streak of victories. He secured a decision win over Anderson Silva and claimed the interim middleweight title against Kelvin Gastelum. Adesanya went on to unify titles against Robert Whittaker and defended his belt successfully five times.
Adesanya’s Rivalry with Pereira
The rivalry between Adesanya and Pereira intensified in November 2022 when Adesanya suffered a knockout loss. However, he avenged the defeat with a stunning knockout in Miami five months later. Spong believes Adesanya’s journey fueled Pereira’s ambition, stating that Adesanya possibly served as an inspiration for his rival.
Upcoming Challenges for Pereira
As for Pereira, he is set for a rematch with Magomed Ankalaev, the fighter who took his UFC light heavyweight title in March. The highly anticipated bout will headline UFC 320 on October 4. Spong anticipates a challenging fight due to both fighters’ distinctive styles, yet refrains from making predictions, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of MMA.
Alex Pereira’s Inspirational Journey
Reflecting on Pereira’s career, Spong commended the fighter for overcoming personal struggles and adversities outside the ring. Despite the outcome of the upcoming rematch with Ankalaev, Spong believes Pereira’s story is inspiring, demonstrating resilience and success against the odds.
Spong’s Legacy and Respect for Fellow Fighters
Acknowledging his own achievements, Spong expressed pride in Pereira’s accomplishments. As a celebrated kickboxer himself, Spong respects the milestones both he and Pereira have reached in their careers, setting examples for overcoming difficulties and achieving greatness in combat sports.
