In combat sports, high expectations often result in disappointment. The hot prospect doesn’t deliver, the highly-touted newcomer can’t handle competition on the next level, and the stories go on and on.
But Israel Adesanya is a different kind of fighter. And it’s not just because of his charisma, candor and marketability. Of course, all those attributes help, but what matters most is what happens on fight night. So while a 75-4 kickboxing record and a perfect 11-0 pro MMA slate got people interested, it would all be for naught if “The Last Stylebender” couldn’t handle the next level of competition in the Octagon.