Israel Adesanya received a pleasant surprise from boxing icon Muhammad Ali’s team following his TKO loss to rival Alex Pereira at UFC 281.

Adesanya’s three-year-long reign as the middleweight champion of the UFC came to an end at the hands of former kickboxing rival Pereira this past weekend. Despite succumbing to a TKO loss for the first time in his pro-MMA career, Adesanya was graceful in defeat and showcased a dignified character by giving ‘Poatan’ the deserved credit.

Following the loss, Israel Adesanya received a delightful surprise from the team of one of the most significant figures in sporting history, Muhammad Ali. The cover note included a quote from the boxing GOAT following his first professional loss against Joe Frazier.

Motivated and determined to get back to winning ways, Ali would go on to face Frazier another two times during his professional career and emerge victorious on both occasions.

Needless to say, such a reminder to keep fighting and improving from Ali’s team means a lot to Adesanya.

Clearly exhilarated by the pleasant gesture, Adesanya wrote in an Instagram post:

“The past can be a great teacher.” – Aang . Got this gift from the greatest of all time’s team. The compliments I got from them about dealing with this weekend filled me with pride. Thank you for this gift oh great one. I will always be inspired by your spirit, forever.”
‘The Last Stylebender’ also added a slide from his favorite show, Avatar: The Last Airbender, from where his moniker is derived.

Check out the Instagram post below:

What a life! 🫡. And still standing 10 toes deep in my light. Gratitude will always be my attitude, through the good, bad, ugly and the beautiful moments in this wild and crazy life. So thank you for the energy. Bless you xo pic.twitter.com/lTqNKCWODG

— Israel Adesanya (@stylebender) November 13, 2022

Israel Adesanya suspended indefinitely following UFC 281 loss to Alex Pereira

Israel Adesanya has been issued an indefinite medical suspension following his loss to Alex Pereira at UFC 281. ‘The Last Stylebender’ came up short in his quest to avenge his two kickboxing losses to Pereira.

Although Adesanya dominated the majority of the fight at UFC 281, ‘Poatan’ rallied in the fifth round to secure the finish. He won his third fight against Israel Adesanya, this time via TKO.

The New York State Athletic Commission has now issued medical suspensions for 19 of the event’s fighters, including former champion Adesanya, who has been given a 60-day mandatory rest period. Pereira was also suspended from the commission indefinitely, with only 30 days of leave.

Adesanya claimed at the post-fight media scrum that he would like to take some time off to cope with a few lingering injuries. Despite losing to ‘Poatan’ thrice now in his multi-sport career, the 33-year-old is determined to face the Brazilian in an immediate rematch.

Watch Adesanya’s appearance at the post-fight press conference below: