Nigerian-born New Zealander UFC middleweight fighter Israel Adesanya was welcomed with drums and funfair as he arrived in Lagos on Wednesday, 21 August 2024 after losing his comeback fight last weekend against South Africa Dricus Du Plessis, reports Sports247.
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He was seen in the midst of his family and friends as the officials of the
Nigerians In Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), was seen at the Muritala Airport as part of the crowd who came to give the UFC former middleweight world champion a rousing reception.
The commission posted on X via their official handle confirming his arrival in Lagos and warmly received by members of the commission.
” Earlier today, Nigeria born, New Zealand Professional Kickboxer ,Isreal Mobolaji Temidayo Odunayo Oluwfemi Owolabi Adesanya (#stylebender) arrived Lagos today ( Wednesday) accompained by his parents and Warmly received”.
Adesanya failed in his bid to regain the Middleweight world title to Du Plessis in Perth last Saturday.
In the build up to the fight, Du Plessis claimed to be the first real African to win the UFC middleweight belt and shoved it in the face of Adesanya that he is the first true African UFC for being trained and residing in his country while noting Adesanya totally with neglected his Nigerian root.
The remark never went down with Adesanya and promised to deal with the South African in the Octagon but unfortunately he lost the bout in the fourth round via a knock win by submission.
