​Israel Adesanya Exclusive: 'The Lingo I Speak Is Violence And I Plan On Talking To Whittaker Very Clearly In My Language'

If their first bout is anything to go by, then this rematch between Israel Adesanya and Robert Whittaker is shaping up to be one of the biggest fights in UFC history.

Shiny belts, big-money new contracts and bitter rivalries aside, this trans-Tasman clash - at its core - has got all the makings of perhaps the most technical title fight we're likely to see in a long time.

Former champion Whittaker looks back to his very best and is currently riding a three-fight win streak, taking out some of the best mixed martial artists in the division.

Meanwhile, Adesanya is still widely regarded as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters on the planet.

Alamy

There has been plenty of talk heading into this grudge match, more than there was when the pair first met back 2019, it seems.

Unsurprisingly, some of the discussions have been centred around the relationship between the two fighters, while others have harped on about Whittaker's improvements.

But for Adesanya, who recently called 2021 his "most lacklustre" year to date, he's eager to prove why there's "levels to this".

"He's improved, he definitely has. But you know what? So have I," Adesanya told SPORTbible Australia.

"I've improved exponentially, I've come on leaps and bounds in my game and I look forward to displaying that come fight night.

"Rob's not really a trash-talker. I like to talk sometimes, but the lingo I speak is violence. I definitely plan on talking clearly to him in my language at UFC 271."

As for the build-up itself, it's been smooth sailing as always for Adesanya and the City Kickboxing team.

"I can honestly say it's been one of the best training camps we've ever had," Adesanya added.

"We're on right now. We're currently riding an energy that just can't be f**ked with. It can't be replicated.

"This is all forged through passion, hard work and love for the game."

Inside the octagon, Adesanya's ability speaks for itself.

But outside of it, his talents clearly go beyond punching or kicking people in the head.

The UFC middleweight champion has partnered with street-inspired fightwear brand Engage to launch a new campaign called 'We Are All Fighters'.

Engage

"Since first seeing me in the gym, Engage have always believed in me, but I also believe in them," Adesanya said.

"I believe in the company, their passion and visions.

"Now we're at the point where I'm part owner and we're taking it to a new level.

"We just dropped this new campaign called 'We Are All Fighters' and that speaks volumes, not just to athletes, but to everyone who fights everyday - because that's exactly what we do, we fight every single day.

Engage

"I love the look of the campaign because we have professionals alongside hobbyists training in the video - it just looks so clean and crisp.

"Everyday people will say 'I need to get fit before going to the gym', but no. Forget all that. Just show up and get it done."

With the likes of Alexander Volkanovski, Genah Fabian, Brad Riddell, Kai Kara-France and Carlos Ulberg all jumping onboard too, this partnership is huge for athletes deriving from Australian and New Zealand shores.

"It's been beautiful working alongside other athletes from this part of the world," Adesanya added.

"From this campaign to our actual training sessions, I love the team we have around us including the people who come over from across the ditch.

"I love our synergy with Freestyle MMA with Uncle Joe and the greatest featherweight of all-time Alexander Volkanovski.

"What we're doing for Oceania MMA is special

"Right now, athletes from this part of the world are doing things that will be remembered as great moments in sports history."

Topics: New Zealand, Engage, Spotlight, Robert Whittaker vs Israel Adesanya, Robert Whittaker, Exclusive, UFC, Australia, MMA, Israel Adesanya