UFC: Nigerian-born fighter Israel Adesanya loses to Jan Blachowicz

Nigerian-born fighter Israel Adesanya lost his light heavyweight match to Polish MMA fighter Jan Blachowicz by a unanimous  49-46, 49-45, 49-45 decision at UFC 259.

Adesanya was defeated for the first time in a 5-round contest in the Light heavyweight division, but he reportedly maintains his middleweight titles.

The ‘Stylebender’ stepped into the octagon, aiming to become the fifth fighter in UFC history to become a two-weight champion simultaneously, against the bigger, older and more experienced Blachowicz.

With his defeat, Adesanya failed to join Conor McGregor, Daniel Cormier, Amanda Nunes and Henry Cejudo as one of just five fighters in UFC history to hold titles in two divisions simultaneously.

“Losses are part of life. Losses are something I deal with occasionally,” Adesanya said in press conference after the match. “Just this is my first one in MMA. As I say, it is what it is. If I was going to lose to anyone, what better guy to lose to than a guy like Jan?”

“(He’s) a classy champion, a cool dude, a very nice guy, a guy who has a great story in himself. On his way to getting cut from the company, comes back and then dominates and becomes the light heavyweight champion and then hands this guy, a future legend, his first loss.”

“Yeah, if I was going to lose to anyone, I’m glad I lost to him,” he added.

From the moment he declared his venture up to 205 pounds, Adesanya accepted the risk. As he reflected on his quest to become a UFC double champion, Adesanya said he would do it again if given the opportunity.

THE LEGEND GROWS!