Mixed martial arts: Israel Adesanya fires back at actor Chris Pratt after UFC 276 criticism

  • 08/07/2022

Kiwi-Nigerian UFC fighter Israel Adesanya has fired back at actor Chris Pratt, who criticised his theatrics at UFC 276.

Adesanya, 32, defeated USA's Jared Cannonier by unanimous decision at Las Vegas to defend his middleweight title.

Appearing on ESPN, Hollywood actor Pratt, 43, took issue with Adesanya's walk to the ring, carrying an urn with Cannonier's name printed on it, while the theme of former professional wrestler 'The Undertaker' played.

"I'm going to say this as humbly as I can - I've never been in the Octagon," he said. "I don't know this game, I'm just an actor, but I don't like to go out there and have all that talk, and then just do a little bit of pitter-patter.

"I mean, come on, man. You've got to capitalise on that promise of being so badass."

Adesanya responded on social media, posting a clip from Pratt's film Wanted, where the actor is hit with a keyboard, knocking his teeth out to form the message 'F*** you'.

Israel Adesanya's ring walk.
Israel Adesanya's ring walk. Photo credit: Image - Getty Images

"Good morning," Adesanya wrote. "I'm the man, you're just some fan."

In response, the Guardians of the Galaxy star performed a very quick 180, apologising to Adesanya.

"You're right," he replied. "I'm sorry, brutha.

"It bugs me when people criticise my work, having never themselves risked anything. It makes me a hypocrite to do exactly that to you.

"My bad. Keep on keeping on, champ."

Adesanya's victory took his professional record to 23-1, including five successful defences of the UFC's middleweight title.