Israel Adesanya: UFC Middleweight Champion Says Nigeria Is Very Corrupt in Explosive Chat With Mike Tyson

• Israel Adesanya seems unimpressed with the level of corruption that continues to plague his home country
• The New Zealand-based Nigerian said he is unsure if a UFC event could take place in the west African nation
• The Last Stylebender put on a scintillating performance to defeat Alex Periera and reclaim his world title belt

The current UFC middleweight champion of the world, Israel Adesanya believes a UFC event could be staged on the African continent but said corruption in Nigeria is concerning.

The 33-year-old, who defeated Alex Periera by technical knockout on Sunday morning, said the biggest MMA showdown could also happen in South Africa or Morocco.

In a chat on the Hot Boxin’ Podcast, anchored by the legendary Mike Tyson, the Last Stylebender expressed disappointment in Nigerian government officials.

Adesanya, who took time to open up on his therapy and past trauma, stated there were a lot of red tape matters plaguing his home country.

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Asked about the possibility of taking UFC to Africa, the MMA champion said:

“UFC Coming to Africa, yo that’s home. It’s a lot of red tape in Nigeria. Nigeria is a very corrupt place - like I love my people, but just that the government, everyone is trying to find a way to siphon money from someone."

“[A UFC event] can happen in Nigeria, it can happen in South Africa, or it can happen in Morocco," he conceded.

Born in Lagos on July 22, 1989, Adesanya also possesses New Zealand citizenship, where he has lived since the age of 10.

Adesanya proud of Nigerian roots

Meanwhile, Adesanya is proud of his roots and had his parents in the stands during the UFC 276 main event at the T-Mobile Arena last year.

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Coming from a Yoruba background, the Nigerian-born star almost prostrated while greeting his family after defeating Jared Cannonier.

Sports Brief previously reported that he was spotted greeting his parents and some other relatives in the traditional Yoruba way afterwards.

Pereira speaks on Adesanya victory

Sports Brief also reported on Alex Pereira breaking his silence after the taunts Adesanya directed at the Mexican fighter's son.

The Last Stylebender inflicted a vicious knockout victory on April 8 to reclaim his middleweight title in Miami on April 8.

Pereira has now admitted that he perhaps would have reacted the same way Adesanya did if he were in the same situation.