Mandatory Credit: Jasmin Frank-USA TODAY Sports

‘It was a good stoppage’ – Israel Adesanya gives props to Marc Goddard despite past differences

Mandatory Credit: Jasmin Frank-USA TODAY Sports

Israel Adesanya is one of the best UFC fighters we’ve ever seen. When it came to staying on top, nobody was better than Izzy. In fact he has eight title wins so far and is tied with Jose Aldo and Randy Couture for the 8th most title fight wins ever. He’s done it all, from winning championships, to defending them, to losing the title, and regaining it. Izzy’s career has been filled with ups and downs so far. He has fought in some of the most memorable fights we’ve seen, like the fight between him and Pereira.

Adesanya was taken down in his first fight but knocked Poatan out cold in the second time they squared up. Whenever it seems like Adesanya’s done for good, he is always making a comeback.

Recently, when Izzy fought the Frenchmen Nassourdine Imavov in UFC Fight Night, he lost immediately in the second round of the contest. It was the first time Izzy fought in a non-title fight since 2019 when he fought UFC legend Anderson Silva. Imavov landed a beautiful combinations of a jab and a right hook which put Izzy on the ground. As soon as Adesanya hit the floor, a series of punches by Imavov helped him finish the fight. There are many fights that have had early stoppages but this was not one of them. Referee Marc Goddard was the one who stopped the fight and it was a fair one.

Izzy and Goddard met backstage and the former UFC middleweight champ gave the ref his flowers. What did Izzy say? Let’s find out.

Also Read: ‘Let’s Make It Happen At 205′ – Alex Pereira Responds To Dricus Du Plessis’ Call Out

Izzy gives props to Goddard for his call in the fight against Imavov

Exactly 30 seconds into the fight, referee Mark Goddard stopped the contest between Adesanya and Imavov. A quick hook and a series of punches took Adesanya out. However, only this time, Izzy was happy with Goddard’s decision to stop the fight.

When the two met in backstage, Izzy shook hands with the referee and said “The one in New York (UFC 281 Adesanya vs Pereira), I was like, ‘Yeah…’ but this was one (against Imavov in Fight Night) was good (stoppage).” You know why? I was moving there but it was all instincts.”

Mark Goddard replies “I say it all the time. I don’t wanna stop any fights, never.” The two showed respect and admiration for one another before and it was clear that Izzy had no problem with the fight’s results. However, Adesanya mentioned how he did not like the stoppage called in NYC. Let us go back in time and check how that fight ended.

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Goddard also officiated UFC 281: Adesanya vs Pereira, 1st UFC fight between the two titans!

The fight between Adesanya and Pereira was also called by ref Goddard. The fight was put to a stop in 5th round of the contest after Pereira landed some clean upper cuts, left and right hooks, and a series of punches. However, Izzy was not happy with the stoppage and many, including Izzy, thought the fight was stopped early. It was considered to be a TKO and some fans were left crying foul.

Alex Pereira knocks out Israel Adesanya.

Izzy was out on his feet.#UFC281 pic.twitter.com/XQNFnzngJv
— GreenMan (@GreenManTalks) November 13, 2022

What’s even more surprising is that all of Izzy’s last four losses were refereed by Mark Goddard. Was there some early stoppages in there? Maybe or maybe not. However, Izzy did avenge his loss in his second fight against Pereira after he knocked Poatan out in the second round of UFC 287.

Izzy really did Pereira’s arrow celebration after knocking him out 💀💀

(via @BroBible)

pic.twitter.com/HLjwsSxjst
— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) April 9, 2023

Also Read: MMA Analyst Condemns Sean Strickland’s Hypocritical Approach To Fighting

Israel Adesanya

UFC

UFC Fight Night: Adesanya vs. Imavov

Eric Divakaran

nba

nfl

mma

I cover the National Football League and things cannot get better than that. I always dreamed to play football or basketball professionally since I’m built like a Running Back. But now that I can’t, since I’m technically in the “Unc” age, I thought why not pick a career in sports industry? So here I am, doing what I love, and hoping that the Commanders win the Super Bowl. I give love to players when it’s due, but can be critical about their performances at the same time. Enough about me, now let my articles do all the talking.