- Israel Adesanya and Kelvin Gastelum reunited at UFC 290
- MMA fans commended the pair’s respect for each other
Reigning UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya and Kelvin Gastelum had an unexpected reunion at UFC 290. The former rivals showed respect and love for one another, which swept some MMA fans off their feet.
Game recognize Game
Izzy and Gastelum went toe-to-toe for five full rounds at UFC 236 in 2019. However, that wasn’t the case when the two crossed paths at UFC 290. Instead of jawing at each other, “The Last Stylebender” and Gastelum hugged and posed for a few photos in what turned out to be an emotional encounter.
Gastelum was so moved by the moment that he shared his honest thoughts on social media afterward.
“This fight game is a golden thread that binds us together forever! Respect Is earned for life. @stylebender thank you for inspiring so many including myself,” Gastelum wrote.
Check out the video below:
This fight game is a golden thread that binds us together forever! Respect Is earned for life. @stylebender thank you for inspiring so many including myself. 🙏👊 pic.twitter.com/QDpIbppPuZ
— #OnAmission4Gold (@KelvinGastelum) July 9, 2023
Fans loved it
The encounter between Gastelum and Adesanya showcased the positive aspects of the sport, earning the admiration of passionate MMA fans. Take a look at what some online fans had to say about it:
“I love this sport”
“Izzy squashing all the beefs..”
I love it so much @stylebender this gesture touched me deeply in my soul, I felt it yes thank you guys
As seen in the video, Adesanya was evidently holding back his tears, which prompted one fan to joke about it.
“Who’s cutting onions?”
It can be recalled that Adesanya beat Gastelum via unanimous decision in what was touted by many as one of the greatest UFC fights in history. Though it’s a bit unlikely that Gastelum would end up facing each Izzy once again in the near future, he is still one of the top contenders in the 185-pound division.
