Israel Adesanya Vows To “Roll Over” Kelvin Gastelum
Israel Adesanya vows to roll over title contender Kelvin Gastelum when they meet inside of the Octagon in the main event of UFC 236.
The reason for the fight is due to UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker being sidelined due to a hernia. Since Adesanya (16-0) signed with the UFC, he is 5-0 in the Octagon where he has made his name known as a rising future star in the division.
This fight at UFC 236 will mark his sixth octagon appearance in 14 months, which means he’s kept very, very busy. On the flip side, Gastelum has fought just once in that same timeframe. While talking to the media, “Stylebender” believes he has a big advantage.
“Momentum’s a powerful force, and it keeps on rolling,” Adesanya told MMAjunkie. “I’m going to roll over Kelvin.”
In the mind of the rising title contender, he thinks other fighters will follow in his footsteps when it comes to his strategy of fighting often in hopes of rising in the rankings.
“I think people are taking notes now,” Adesanya said. “From February of last year my debut to February of this year, that’s five fights in one year. Dana even said: ‘If you want to stay relevant, stay active.’ I’ve been doing this, apart from the Thai’s. In the western world apart from ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone, no one is as active as me. People are taking notes now.
“Jon Jones says he wants to fight four times this year as a champ. Last I heard people were fighting like twice. I think Robert Whittaker fought once in the last year. I’m keeping that same energy. I’m going to stay active.”
The UFC 236 pay-per-view event is set to take place on Saturday, April 13, 2019 at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. The main card will air on pay-per-view at 10 p.m. ET. The preliminary card will air on ESPN at 8 p.m. ET and the the UFC’s streaming service, Fight Pass.
