Watch this incredible video of Israel Adesanya in tears after winning his UFC debut

Israel Adesanya’s meteoric rise really has been special to watch. To think, he became UFC middleweight champion in less than two years and remains undefeated is remarkable.

And now, thanks to a video released by the UFC, we know it all started with him carrying so emotion into the octagon ahead of his promotional debut on Feb. 11, 2018. On that night at UFC 221 in Perth, Australia, Adesanya took on Rob Wilkinson. Adesanya got off to kind of a slow start, but in the second round he finished the fight with punches for a TKO victory.

Afterward, Adesanya let out all his emotion and was in tears as he walked through the arena tunnel and reflected on his journey, remembering how he made a promise to a friend who died.

It’s an incredible clip to watch (via Twitter).

Adesanya returns to the octagon this Saturday at UFC 248 in Las Vegas, where he’ll defend his title against Yoel Romero in the headliner.

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