{"id":20258,"date":"2025-02-12T18:21:42","date_gmt":"2025-02-12T17:21:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theplayoffs.news\/en\/?p=20258"},"modified":"2025-02-12T18:22:13","modified_gmt":"2025-02-12T17:22:13","slug":"israel-adesanyas-heartwarming-facetime-to-his-rival-is-the-best-thing-you-will-see-today","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theplayoffs.news\/en\/israel-adesanyas-heartwarming-facetime-to-his-rival-is-the-best-thing-you-will-see-today\/","title":{"rendered":"Israel Adesanya’s Heartwarming FaceTime To His Rival Is The Best Thing You Will See Today"},"content":{"rendered":"

When Israel Adesanya and Kelvin Gastelum stepped into the octagon at UFC<\/a> 236 in 2019, nobody knew they would create magic. Their five-round war for the interim middleweight title pushed both fighters to their absolute limits. Adesanya finally pulled off a dramatic victory after five rounds. This wasn’t just another fight. It was the kind of battle that changes fighters forever, leaving Adesanya with a scar on his lip that still makes him think of Gastelum whenever he catches his reflection.<\/p>

Now, at UFC 312, this legendary bout has finally received its well-deserved place in the UFC Hall of Fame. This fight has now joined other classic wars like Forrest Griffin vs. Stephan Bonnar, and Jon Jones vs. Alexander Gustafsson. The timing couldn’t be more perfect, as it comes during a period when Adesanya himself seems to be embracing a more reflective phase of his career, recently seen making peace with another former rival in Alex Pereira.<\/p>

Also Read: Sean Strickland Injury Update: What happened To Sean Strickland’s Nose At UFC 312?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>

Israel Adesanaya’s Facetime to Kelvin Gastelum After HOF Induction<\/h2>

The video call between Israel Adesanya and Kelvin Gastelum after the Hall of Fame announcement showed a side of MMA that fans don’t often get to see. Gone was the fierce competitor who once traded heavy shots with Gastelum. It was replaced by a grateful athlete calling his former opponent “hermano” (brother) and thanking him for being “a great salsa partner.”<\/p>

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“Hermano! We did it! Congrats to you, man! Hey, it takes two to tango and you’re a great salsa partner, man. Thank you so much. That’s what I said on the mic, when they put it up on the screen, ‘Kelvin, that was us, that was you and me, Hermano.’ You’re a special human being.”<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>

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