Nigerian UFC star Israel Adesanya explains why he is known as the Black Dragon in China
New Zealand professional mixed martial artist of Nigerian descent Israel Mobolaji Adesanya is back on the social media trends.
The 34-year-old Adesanya is set to face off against American Sean Strickland in the main event of Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) 293 in Australia.
![Israel Adesanya: Nigerian UFC star rocks Green and White necklace ahead of fight against Sean Strickland](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/08092023/aebf3eb7-b775-465b-9e36-fab61cfc7706.jpg?operations=fit(180:))
17:00 - 08.09.2023
Israel Adesanya: Nigerian UFC star rocks Green and White necklace ahead of fight against Sean Strickland
Nigerian UFC star Israel Adesanya rocks Green and White necklace ahead of fight against Sean Strickland
Israel Adesanya and China
Due to the fact that Israel Adesanya's forthcoming opponent Sean Strickland keeps referring to him as Chinese, fans have been a little perplexed regarding his nationality.
![Israel Adesanya: Nigerian UFC star says F*ck school, won't be sending his children](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/07092023/8980b77b-db9d-42ed-9dc1-82a0594c02b2.jpg?operations=fit(180:))
07:00 - 07.09.2023
Israel Adesanya: Nigerian UFC star says F*ck school, won't be sending his children
Nigerian UFC star Israel Adesanya says won't be sending his children to school, because it is a waste of time.
Earlier this year, Strickland made the first jab about Adesanya being Chinese during an appearance on Joe Rogan's podcast.
However, a video showing Adesanya waving the Chinese flag quickly gained popularity on social media.
![Adesanya is not shy to remind the world as UFC Middleweight champion that he is of Nigerian descent. Image Credit - ESPN MMA](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/08092023/aebf3eb7-b775-465b-9e36-fab61cfc7706.jpg?operations=fit(480:))
In a different video, The Last Stylebender also acknowledged embracing Chinese culture.
Israel Adesanya, who was raised in New Zealand but was born in Nigeria, spent a significant amount of his illustrious kickboxing career competing in Chinese provincial circuits where he was known as "The Black Dragon."
![In a different video, The Last Stylebender also acknowledged embracing Chinese culture. Image Credit - X/MMA Junkie](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/09092023/e209ff2f-0bb8-4f91-a1fd-9026a0efca5e.jpeg?operations=fit(480:))
Adesanya explains China connection
The reigning middleweight champion of the UFC frequently attributes his development as a fighter to his time living in China.
The jabs from Strickland don't appear to affect Adesanya; he even makes jokes about knocking him out for the sake of China.
![The jabs from Strickland don't appear to affect Adesanya; he even makes jokes about knocking him out for the sake of China. Image Credit - Israel Adesanya/Instagram](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/09092023/53a219d0-8331-4eac-a62f-5657d6ff0e2d.jpg?operations=fit(480:))
Adesanya did, however, offer an explanation when the footage of him donning the Five-Star Red Flag first surfaced.
Adesanya said that he formerly worked as a side hustle staring in Chinese advertisements.
The Last Stylebender as Adesanya is known is now expected to wear red shorts representing China against Strickland.
![At the face-off, Adesanya came out wearing a Green and White necklace that has gone viral. Image Credit - ESPN MMA](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/08092023/69b28d5a-e441-4529-9420-cc6c660f9ffd.jpg?operations=fit(480:))
Israel Adesanya wears Nigerian themed necklace to UFC 293 face-off against Sean Strickland
Adesanya is not shy to remind the world as UFC Middleweight champion that he is of Nigerian descent.
At the face-off, Adesanya came out wearing a Green and White necklace that has gone viral.
The combination of the necklace got a lot of reactions from Nigerians on social media.
![The next contender for the middleweight belt, Sean Strickland, has previously taken issue with middleweight champion Adesanya's reputation for maintaining his appearance and painting his nails. Image Credit - Twitter/Israel Adesanya](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/30082023/1fe54908-8da7-478d-8a14-996345a4b75b.jpeg?operations=fit(480:))
Adesanya will not send children to school
Adesanya engaged in an off-topic conversation about why he was unwilling to send his children to school during an interview before his fight.
Adesanya claims he won't send his children to school because he believes that much of the knowledge is useless and that schools were established to produce workers.
Adesanya says he will hire tutors to teach his kids the fundamentals while also making sure they participate in jiu-jitsu and gymnastics programs to ensure they socialize with other youngsters.
![Adesanya thinks Strickland will present a distinct side of himself on stage before shifting when they interact privately. Image Credit - Instagram/Israel Adesanya](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/30082023/62baf17b-22c7-43c5-880d-f22bdaa78d52.png?operations=fit(480:))
Adesanya is not Gay
Adesanya has pledged to keep doing his nails for his forthcoming world title defense against longtime foe Sean Strickland in Sydney.
Adesanya in the main event of UFC 293 will defend his UFC middleweight title against Sean Strickland at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia.