Israel Adesanya is just under two months away from headlining his first ever UFC card, as the undefeated fighter faces Brad Tavares in the main event of the UFC Ultimate Fighter 27 Finale.
The middleweight prospect is only fighting for the third time under the UFC banner, which is why he is shocked to get the main event opportunity.
“To be honest, not this soon. I think so because I’m humble, I take my time and I want to earn my keep. Two fights in the company already, I was thinking about it the other day and I was like ‘who else on their third fight?’ Conor (McGregor) did this as well on his third fight, I think against Diego Brandao after his injury. Anderson Silva did it as well in his second fight, against Rich Franklin for the middleweight title of the world. We’re in the same echelon of greatness, so that’s a good feeling. Its good to see the company see what I have seen in myself for years, so business is booming,” says Adesanya in an exclusive interview with Fightful’s James Lynch.
Tavares is also headlining his first ever UFC event, but has put far more Octagon time in with the UFC when compared to Adesanya.
Adesanya is happy to be getting his first main event slot in the UFC and fans can expect to see the best version of him on that night.
“Like I said, its a lot for me to be objective. When I say easy, I don’t mean its going to be a walk in the park…which it is. Its going to be easier to read Brad because I’ve seen that sh*t many times, I know the reactions and the looks he’s gonna give. He’s gonna bring something different and whatever he brings on that night, I’ll be able to read up on the fly with a shotgun. Same sh*t man, I just wanna come in there and do my best. I always come in there and give my best, just expect me to give my best and nothing less,” says Adesanya.
UFC Ultimate Fighter 27 Finale takes place on Friday, July 6 from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada with Brad Tavares and Israel Adesanya headlining. Fightful is providing live coverage of the event, which airs live on Fox Sports 1.
