UFC Middleweight Champion Israel Adesanya Reveals What ‘Area Boys’ Did to Him When He Landed in Lagos

- Israel Adesanya is preparing for his showdown against the impressive Marvin Vettori at the Gila River Arena in Glendale on June 13

- The 31-year-old who visited Nigeria has disclosed that he was surprised how he was showered with love right from the airport

- Israel Adesanya expressed surprise that area boys in Lagos could recognise him, stating that they were just chanting his name

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The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has narrated how ‘area boys’ in Lagos welcomed him upon sighting him at the airport.

The Nigerian-born fighter is billed to face-off with Marvin Vettori at the Gila River Arena in Glendale, in Arizona on Sunday, June 13.

In an interview with CNN, the 31-year-old stated that he was surprised at the level of warm reception he received when he reached Nigeria.

He claimed he was surprised that the fans could recognise him and admitted that his parents had initially rejected his move to become a mixed-martial artist.

He said via Complete Sports:

“It was a fantastic experience for me to come to Nigeria, most especially when I stepped my feet at the Lagos airport. The area boys were just chanting my name and I was surprised how they recognized me. I was so excited.

“Initially it was very tough for my parent to support me but when they saw the passion in me they later gave me all their supports.

"Like you know, every parent wants their children to go to school and I understand that feeling. They wanted me to become a lawyer, doctor, or accountant but I choose this game.”

Meanwhile, Robert Whittaker has called out UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya after defeating Kevin Gastelum in the main card of the fight night.

The Reaper dominated the match as all three judges scored the contest in favour of the Australian mixed martial artist.

When asked who was next during the post-match interview, the 30-year-old did not mince his words as he sent a message to Adesanya on UFC.

Whittaker added that he wanted the rematch to be hosted in front of a massive crowd back in Australia around September.

Legit.ng earlier reported that Kamaru was the first Nigeria-born UFC champion and the welterweight champion has never denied his roots since he began his journey into the Octagon.

The 33-year-old is also a proud father and a loving dad to his daughter Samirah who he cherishes so much.

The Delta state-born fighter posted a video on Facebook as he was exercising his fatherly duties to his only child as they were spotted dancing to Tekno's 'Putting'.