Israel Adesanya has lived in high-pressure situations throughout his UFC career to date. 

When he meets Dricus du Plessis for the UFC middleweight title at UFC 305 in Perth next month, it will be his 12th-straight UFC title fight, and his 12th time headlining a pay-per-view in his 17 fights for the promotion. 

He will bid to become the first three-time UFC middleweight champion and will do so with some familiar faces around him as a trio of City Kickboxing fighters look set to compete. 

Highly ranked flyweight contender Kai Kara-France will fight Perth local Steve Erceg, while lightweight Dan Hooker, who has been calling for the UFC to find him a matchup for the card, has a bout all but confirmed. 

On Friday, the trio and coach Eugene Bareman welcomed All Blacks Ardie Savea, Mark Tele’a and Rieko Ioane, as well as 56-test All Black Richie Mo’unga, into their Auckland gym to share, among other things, their experiences of competing at the highest level ahead of Saturday night’s All Blacks test against England. 

Speaking to the Herald afterwards, Adesanya said there was plenty that he took away from the conversation. 

Israel Adesanya (centre) speaks with All Blacks Rieko Ioane (left) and Mark Tele'a. Photo / Alyse Wright 

“For me, it’s a privilege to sit down with world-class athletes, world champions from this shore as well, and to see us together,” he said. 

“For whatever reason, the mainstream sometimes likes to put us against each other because of some things that happened in 2020, but it’s not about that. When they win, we win. When I win, they win. 

“Unity, that’s what I like.” 

Among the topics that arose was the idea of pressure on and off the field and how the athletes react. At the highest level of sport, the spotlights are more focused; there are more eyeballs on you and, depending on results, the scrutiny or praise is higher too. 

It’s a relatable part of the job in any sport, and Adesanya encouraged athletes to be authentic in that spotlight. 

“Pressure is a privilege and the All Blacks, they’re just lads. Each of them individually have their own flair, characteristics and personalities, and I think it’s starting to show a little bit more on the field. 

“I like when they’re honest. If they go out and smoke England tomorrow, get on the mic afterwards ... don’t say, ‘Oh that was tough work.’ If it was easy, say, ‘It was easier than we expected.’ 

“I love authenticity. These are authentic individuals and I want them to show that on camera as well.” 

It’s something Adesanya has stayed true to throughout his career, regardless of the reaction, which has been part of his charm on the global stage. 

All Blacks loose forward Ardie Savea, UFC lightweight Dan Hooker (centre) and City Kickboxing head coach Eugene Bareman. Photo / Alyse Wright 

That was again on show recently when he took it upon himself to announce his upcoming bout with du Plessis, beating the UFC to the punch. 

“I felt like I needed to announce it,” Adesanya said. “People were like ‘What’s happening? What’s happening? What’s happening?’ 

“It was nearly almost done so I was like, ‘Let me remind them who the A-Side is’. 

“It’s done. We have a fight. The fight’s already sold. I have formalities like this to do, but I’m really, really, really looking forward to this fight. I can’t wait to fight this guy.” 

UFC star Israel Adesanya and All Blacks winger Mark Tele'a. Photo / Alyse Wright 

Adesanya said the delay in the UFC confirming the fight was likely due to the moving pieces surrounding UFC 303 last month. The card was expected to be headlined by Conor McGregor’s return against Michael Chandler but McGregor got injured and the main event became Alex Periera against Jiri Prochazka for the UFC light heavyweight title. Pereira later confirmed that fight was initially being lined up to take place on the Perth card. 

That was one of many changes to UFC 303 – including City Kickboxing light heavyweight Carlos Ulberg having to withdraw due to injury. 

Adesanya said his manager was contacted by the UFC about the possibility of stepping into the headline spot at UFC 303 when McGregor’s fight was called off but it was never an option that interested him. 

Christopher Reive joined the Herald sports team in 2017, bringing the same versatility to his coverage as he does to his sports viewing habits.