Jasmin Frank-Imagn Images

UFC star Israel Adesanya shares obscene training tactic ahead of Imavov fight

Originally posted on MMA on SI | By Chris De Santiago | Last updated Jan 30, 2025 2:30 PM ET

Israel Adesanya is fortifying his mind, as the legendary Bruce Lee would say.

For the first time in 6 years, the UFC Middleweight Championship is not in Adesanya's sights as he defends his #2 ranking against Nassourdine Imavov in the main event of UFC Saudi Arabia. The former champion says this last training camp has been different than most, not giving into his usual habits.

Jasmin Frank-Imagn Images

Adesanya Abstaining Ahead Of Next Fight

In a conversation on The Ariel Helwani Show , Adesanya mentioned haircuts make him feel 'horny' and talked how about how he finds himself in certain 'situations'. When asked if he abstains from sex for fight camp like former champion Georges St-Pierre, Adesanya said "you don't have to, but..."

Best fights and fighters to watch at this weekend's UFC Fight Night in Saudi Arabia

"To be honest, this camp would be the most I have [abstained] actually. There might be something with semen retention... I'll have to look into it. But yeah, I've just been working there. I'm happy with the work. I'm happy with the progression and I can't wait till this weekend. I'm quietly confident in my skills."

"To be honest, when I get a haircut, I kind of get horny a little bit.
I start to like venture outside. It was nice to just stay inside and not try and be slick and just work.

I've been working. The lack of a haircut was a show of it."

Izzy is locked in ahead of his return pic.twitter.com/1U39uJqxCE
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) January 28, 2025

"Yeah, it was," Adesanya said, when asked if it was a conscious decision to abstain. "Look, it's always there. I'm always horny. Put it this way, I like the freedom of thought. I like the freedom of choice. So, I like to know I can do something but I choose not to."

Former Turner Sports executive predicts ESPN-UFC price 'too high,’ Netflix move incoming?

In a world where everything is at the touch of your fingertips, Israel Adesanya is what you'd call 'locked in' for his upcoming fight with Nassourdine Imavov.