Credit: Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya is rooting for two-time rival Marvin Vettori to snap his skid at UFC 332.
Israel Adesanya and two-time foe Marvin Vettori’s careers will always be linked. Ahead of Vettori’s return to the Octagon at UFC 332, Adesanya is keeping a keen eye on his former foe.
Vettori will face talented prospect Ismail Naurdiev at UFC 332 this Saturday in Salt Lake City. The former UFC title challenger is searching for his first victory in more than three years as he looks to snap a four-fight skid.
A loss at UFC 332 could potentially spell the end for Vettori’s title hopes. But for Adesanya, he’s rooting for his former adversary to get his hand raised this weekend as they navigate similar waters.
Israel Adesanya rooting for two-time rival to win at UFC 332 despite Marvin Vettori’s ‘hate’
In a recent video uploaded to his YouTube channel, Adesanya sent a message to Vettori ahead of UFC 332.
“My boy, Vettori. Is this his first fight back since the tragedy? Vettori is a hard man to finish. I don’t think anyone has finished him in the UFC yet. I think he still hates me. I don’t know why. Like twice a year, he will take shots at me for no reason. I respect him,” Adesanya said of Vettori.
“If I lost you in a fire, I would be heartbroken. Even that makes me sad saying that. I empathize, so it’s hard for me to feel anything bad toward this man. Oh s—, he’s like me (with a four-fight losing skid). I want him to win. It would be good for him, his morale, his spirit.
“When you win, I win. When I win, you win,” Adesanya continued. “Whether you like it or not, Vettori, we’re locked in this s— for life.” (h/t MMA Junkie)
Adesanya is expected to return to the Octagon either later this year, or in early 2027. Like Vettori, he’s searching for his first win in over three years after recent losses to Joe Pyfer and Nassourdine Imavov.
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This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM
