Israel Adesanya Gave His First-Class Seat To His Cornerman During The 15-Hour Flight Home From Abu Dhabi

Israel Adesanya has proved once again why he's one of the most likeable personalities in the UFC.

Granted, the Kiwi insists he's constantly fending off the haters but it's moments like this that make you question why.

While travelling back from his victory over Paulo Costa on Fight Island, the UFC middleweight champion reportedly gave up his first-class seat to one of his cornermen for the entire flight journey.

UFC commentator Jon Anik witness this happen and took to social media to let his followers know of Adesanya's generous act.

He tweeted: "Flew back to Las Vegas with the still undisputed king of the middleweights and you won't be at all surprised to learn that Israel Adesanya gave his first-class seat to one of his cornermen. Total package, that guy."

And this wasn't just your stock standard overnight flight, either.

With every fighter having to go home via Las Vegas due to strict coronavirus regulations, the flight path from Abu Dhabi is understood to be around 15 to 16 hours.

Not that this makes Adesanya's offer any more special, but still.

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It's a classy move from the 185-pound king, bit not everyone was convinced that it was genuine.

Some fans commented on Anik's tweet suggesting that Adesanya's act to offer up his first-class seat was some sort of publicity stunt for the cameras and the UFC's biggest employees.

But Anik was having none of that.

He responded via Twitter, saying: "Man. Sometimes this can be the Toxicity Capital of the World. If you think @stylebender (Adesanya) gave his first-class seat to one of his coaches on a 15-hour flight as a P.R. stunt, not only do you not know the man, but you have badly misread the situation. Any positivity out there today?"

Kiwi sensation Adesanya now faces the wait to see who the UFC matches him up against next.

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He's made it no secret that he wants to go toe-to-toe with Jared Cannonier - that's if the American can get past former champ Robert Whittaker though.

If Australian star Whittaker gets his hand raised at UFC 254 at the end of October, we might be expecting a trans-Tasman rematch sometime soon.

Topics: New Zealand, Robert Whittaker, UFC 253, UFC, Australia, MMA, Israel Adesanya

Max Sherry

Max Sherry is a journalist for SPORTbible Australia. After migrating Down Under from London as a teenager, he instantly fell in love with Aussie sport and its culture. From NRL to AFL, cricket to rugby — you name it, Max watches it (with a beer in hand, of course). During his time at Fox Sports, he worked in the football department covering the Premier League, A-League, Socceroos and Matildas. Born a stone's throw away from West Ham's training ground, Max is obviously a die-hard Liverpool fan.

@maxysherry