To get approval from one of the most legendary WWE wrestlers of all time is, in fact, legendary – Israel Adesanya got it after his win.
While the UFC 276 main event was unfortunately pretty uneventful, Adesanya’s walkout stole the show. The UFC middleweight champion walked out as WWE legend, The Undertaker, and he had it all – the song, the hat, the urn, the smoke, the lighting.
Here. He. Comes. ☠️
[ @Stylebender | #UFC276 ] pic.twitter.com/Bv54ObOkyr
— UFC (@ufc) July 3, 2022
The Deadman approves
On Sunday, the man who made the walkout iconic gave Adesanya props.
The long walk many opponents know and fear … congrats @stylebender! #UFC276 https://t.co/AuvdbqoB6d
— Undertaker (@undertaker) July 3, 2022
The Undertaker would tell MMA reporter Ariel Helwani that he has enjoyed Adesanya and boxer Tyson Fury giving homage.
“I thought it was great! He’s not only a great fighter, he’s an awesome entertainer as well,” Undertaker said. “Tyson Fury gets knocked down & sits up like the UT and Adesanya uses my walkout! Pretty damn cool!”
I asked @undertaker what he thought of @stylebender’s walkout:
“I thought it was great! He’s not only a great fighter, he’s an awesome entertainer as well! Tyson Fury gets knocked down & sits up like the UT and Adesanya uses my walkout! Pretty damn cool!”pic.twitter.com/a0tGCZ0DyK
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) July 3, 2022
Inspiration
After his UFC 276 title defense, Adesanya told the media why he walked out as The Undertaker.
“I’m an artist. It just works,” Adesanya said. I didn’t expect Vince [McMahon] and Triple H to be here. As I was sitting down feeling it on Tuesday, it just made sense. I said all week: This feel’s like WrestleMania. Who’s undefeated at WrestleMania? The Undertaker. And I had been feeling dark all week.”
Adesanya easily defeated Jared Cannonier in the main event of UFC 276 to retain his belt.