Amid the spotlight of UFC Atlanta last Saturday (14), a personal rivalry stole the show. Israel Adesanya launched harsh criticism against Joaquin Buckley during the live broadcast of the main event. The target? The 'annoying' behavior of the challenger, who lost to Kamaru Usman.
During the coverage of the fight between his ally Kamaru Usman and Joaquin Buckley , Adesanya couldn't contain his disdain. On his YouTube channel, the Nigerian lashed out at his rival's attitude.
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“I hate this guy. I don’t use that word lightly. Something about him makes me sick. He acts like a rapper. Maybe I’m a hater, but he’s unbearable,” said the Nigerian.
Defeated by Kamaru at the event, Joaquin responded on social media with a low blow. On his X profile (formerly Twitter), he attacked Adesanya with a direct reference to his title loss to Dricus du Plessis.
“Hate the farmer who took your belt, not me. #HateTheBoer. Defend Africa or China or wherever you come from,” the fighter replied.
The term 'boer' - historically associated with Dutch settlers in South Africa - was a reference to Adesanya and du Plessis' relationship, which involved disputes over African identity. In the Octagon, Usman dominated Buckley with four takedowns and 13 minutes of ground control to end the American's six-fight winning streak at welterweight.
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