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Israel Adesanya is treated like a president as he arrives in New Zealand after winning against Alex Pereira.
New Zealand professional mixed martial artist of Nigerian descent Israel Mobolaji Adesanya is still in a celebratory mood after reclaiming the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Middleweight title.
On Sunday, April 9, 2023, Adesanya defeated Brazilian professional mixed martial artist Alexsandro Pereira in the UFC 287 main event to go back to become a 2-time UFC middlweight champion.
Since his victory, it has been a whirlwind for Adesanya in the United States of America (USA) with interviews and other obligations as champion.
Proud of his Nigerian heritage, Adesanya celebrated with former Welterweight champion American and Nigerian professional mixed martial artist Kamarudeen Usman.
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He also teamed up with David Njoku an American football tight end of Nigerian descent for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League.
Videos of him waving the Nigerian flag on his way from the octagon went viral as he later went clubbing with Njoku, Usman and Nigerian musician Adekunle Gold.
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Israel Adesanya gets presidential arrival in New Zealand
Following his exploits in America, Adesanya finally returned to his residence in New Zealand.
He took to his official YouTube channel to post a documented video of his arrival.
In the video, the Nigerian and New Zealand flag were flying as Adesanya was treated like a hero for his victory against Pereira.
To celebrate his victory a group of fans performed the Haka a ceremonial dance in Māori culture that involved vigorous movements and stamping of the feet with rhythmical shouting.
Adesanya was impressed as he took his two UFC belts into a supercar while a convoy of five other cars and 6 superbikes followed.
Israel Adesanya explains welcome in New Zealand
Adesanya is a hero in New Zealand for his exploits in Mixed Martial Arts and before the fight against Pereira stated that fans would play an integral role.
He said, “I think this is the first time in a long time that I'm not just fighting for myself drawing strength from my family, my friends, real friends.
"My teammates who are actually on the grind with me, they put their bodies on the line for me, Blood Sweat tears.
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"For you guys the fans that believe in me the ones that haven't folded when people were trying to shake their belief in me or clowning about what happened in the last fight or anything I've ever done
"This is the first time in a long time I'm fighting for all of you guys because you know I'm the only one in that cage.
"You guys can't fight with me so I have to fight for myself but this time I'm drawing strength from all of you in a way like never before."
Following his arrival in New Zealand, Adesanya took to social media to explain that when he wins it's also a victory for the fans.
He said, "When I win, you win!! If “they” won’t celebrate us, WE WILL CELEBRATE US!!!.
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"We built this fighting legacy on our own with the support of the people, our people! So thank you for this beautiful display of love my people xo.
"Most humans only get a ride like this when they’re dead, I’m blessed to be given my flowers while I’m here. PS: I would never ever kill myself…EVER!"
Adesanya is now expected to take a break to recover before a return later in the year.
South African contender Dricus Du Plessis who earlier questioned his authenticity is expected to be the preferred candidate for Adesanya's return to the octagon.
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