Sport News
Don’t Follow My Footsteps, Israel Adesanya Advices Aspiring Athletes
Israel Adesanya Reveals Path to Professional Fighting and Urges Aspiring Athletes to Forge Their Own Paths
Nigerian-born UFC star Israel Adesanya recently shared the motivation behind his decision to pursue a career in professional fighting. He also encouraged aspiring athletes to create their own paths while drawing inspiration from his journey and that of other celebrated athletes.
During a visit to a Celestial Church of Christ service in Lagos, Adesanya, known as “The Last Stylebender,” revealed that his initial interest in fighting stemmed from a need to defend himself.
Wearing a traditional Celestial garment in a video seen online, Adesanya explained that he realized his potential as a fighter early on, which led him to take up the sport professionally.
Adesanya emphasized the crucial role his father played in his career, acknowledging that he wouldn’t have become a fighter without his father’s support.
When asked why he chose fighting as a profession, Adesanya said, “It’s a long story, but for me, it started with standing up for myself. I learned how to fight, realized I was good at it, and turned it into a career. So far, it has worked out well.”
He also highlighted the importance of faith in his life and career. “Faith is something you need in life. You can’t walk by sight; you have to walk by faith. Faith has guided me through my life, not just my career.
I trust in myself, in a higher power, and in who I am. That belief keeps me steadfast,” he said.
Adesanya further advised aspiring athletes not to follow in his exact footsteps but to create their own paths. “Don’t try to copy what I’ve done. Instead, get inspiration from people like me and use it to further yourself in your own life. Copying someone else’s journey isn’t worth it. If you’re inspired, take that inspiration and apply it to your own path,” he advised.
Despite his recent loss at UFC 305 to South African fighter Dricus Du Plessis, Adesanya received a hero’s welcome when he arrived in Lagos last Wednesday. He also visited his hometown of Esa-Oke in Osun State and enjoyed the Lagos nightlife, sharing glimpses of his outings on Instagram, which caught the attention of fans and celebrities alike.
The UFC 305 bout, which marked the first-ever title clash between two African fighters, held significant historical importance and provided substantial financial rewards for both competitors. According to reports, Adesanya, a former two-time middleweight champion, earned $750,000 for the fight, while Du Plessis received $500,000.
Sport News
BREAKING (Paralympics): Onyinyechi Mark Wins Nigeria’s First Gold Medal, Sets World Record
Onyinyechi Mark Breaks Paralympic Record with Stunning Lift
Nigeria’s Onyinyechi Mark has set a new Paralympic record in the women’s 61kg powerlifting category by lifting an impressive 145kg. This incredible achievement surpasses the previous record held by fellow Nigerian Lucy Ejike.
With only one lift remaining, Mark is on track to secure Nigeria’s first gold medal at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Her nearest rival is set to attempt 138kg on her final lift, while Mark plans to further extend her record with a final attempt of 147kg.
Team Nigeria boasts a strong Paralympic history, particularly in powerlifting and athletics. At the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, Nigeria won ten medals, including four golds.
The team has consistently excelled in powerlifting, with athletes like Lucy Ejike and Bose Omolayo setting world records and earning multiple gold medals.
Nigeria’s ongoing success at the Paralympics underscores the nation’s commitment to supporting and advancing its para-athletes.
Arsenal Held to 1-1 Draw by Brighton as Declan Rice Sees Red
Arsenal was held to a 1-1 draw at home by Brighton after Declan Rice received a controversial red card in the second half.
Despite Bukayo Saka equalling a 20-year-old club record set by Gunners legend Thierry Henry, Arsenal couldn’t secure the win. The Gunners took the lead with a goal from Kai Havertz, but Brighton equalized through Joao Pedro after Rice was sent off early in the second half.
Match Recap
Arsenal started strong, dominating much of the first half. Their efforts paid off when Kai Havertz scored, thanks to a brilliant assist from Bukayo Saka.
With that assist, Saka became the first Arsenal player since Thierry Henry in 2004 to provide an assist in each of the first three games of a Premier League season.
However, Arsenal’s momentum took a hit when Declan Rice received a second yellow card following a confrontation with Brighton’s Joel Veltman, leaving the Gunners with 10 men.
Brighton capitalized on their numerical advantage, with Joao Pedro scoring the equalizer less than 10 minutes after Rice’s red card.
Both teams had chances to snatch a late winner. Havertz forced Brighton’s goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen into a great save, while Brighton’s Jasin Ayari missed a golden opportunity, hitting Arsenal’s goalkeeper David Raya with the goal at his mercy. Saka also saw a late effort saved by Verbruggen, sealing the 1-1 draw.
The result marks the first time Arsenal and Brighton have dropped points in the 2024/25 Premier League season, ending their perfect starts to the campaign.
![Transfer Deadline Day: Chelsea Announce Deal For Four Players [See Names]](https://i0.wp.com/ultranaija.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/PrO7Om3WNyp.webp?resize=720%2C479&ssl=1)
Chelsea announced the transfer of four players on Friday.
According to statements on the club’s website, Armando Broja, Djordje Petrovic, Saheed Olagunju, and Ronnie Stutter have all departed the Blues.
Broja has joined Everton on a season-long loan, while Petrovic has moved to RC Strasbourg on a similar loan deal. Ronnie Stutter has secured a loan move to Burton Albion, and Saheed Olagunju has completed a permanent transfer to Wolves.
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