To my brothers and sisters in the fight game, to the warriors who spill blood for glory, and to the fans who give us purpose—
This is not just a letter; it is a moment in time. A crossroads for a sport that has given me everything. I write this with scarred hands, a steel jaw, and a heart that has endured the highs of victory and the agony of defeat. We are more than fighters; we are poets of violence, artists of controlled chaos, and pioneers in a sport that is still defining itself.
The Weight We Carry
Every fighter knows the price of greatness. We step into that cage with our souls bared, knowing that one wrong move could cost us everything. We live in a world of sacrifice—missed birthdays, broken bones, sleepless nights haunted by our own doubts. But what keeps us going? It’s the knowledge that we are part of something bigger than ourselves.
Yet, I feel that our sport—this beautiful, brutal art—needs a reckoning. A moment of truth. We have spent years proving ourselves as legitimate athletes, yet many of us still struggle with fighter pay, proper healthcare, and post-career support. How many legends have we seen fade into obscurity, broke and forgotten? How many pioneers built this sport with their bodies and got nothing in return? We celebrate the glory but ignore the wreckage left behind.
This needs to change.
Respect for the Game
MMA is not a sideshow. It is not just content to be consumed. It is war, discipline, strategy, and heart. Too often, we see our sport reduced to trash talk, social media clout, and manufactured drama. I understand the game—we all do. Promotion sells fights, and rivalries build hype. But let’s never forget what truly matters: respect.
Respect for the grind.
Respect for the fans who bleed with us.
Respect for the ones who paved the way.
Every time we enter that cage, we carry the weight of history. The ghosts of legends past whisper in our ears. This is sacred ground, and we must treat it as such.
The Future of MMA
MMA is still young. It is still evolving, and so must we. Fighters, we must demand better. Promotions, we must take care of our own. Fans, you are the backbone of this sport—hold us to a higher standard. Support the warriors who give everything.
To the next generation: train not just your body, but your mind. Learn the business. Protect your future. Be the fighter you always dreamed of becoming, but never let the game use you and discard you.
I do not know how many more fights I have left in me. But I do know this—when I am gone, this sport will remain. And I want it to be better than when I first stepped into that cage.
Let’s make it happen.
With respect, with fire, and with love for the fight—
Israel Adesanya