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The WORST Part Of Being Israel Adesanya's UFC Coach

January 24, 202600:40
00:00:00
He died in your arms, right? You were
00:00:01
there.
00:00:02
>> Yep. He died in my arms. I grabbed him.
00:00:04
Someone I started fighting with, he had
00:00:05
a match in Tahiti and he unfortunately
00:00:07
passed away in the ring because he had
00:00:09
some brain aneurysm that wasn't picked
00:00:11
up. He got a fatal blow in the fight and
00:00:13
he never recovered.
00:00:14
>> There was another incident as he won his
00:00:16
first world title belt. You took the
00:00:17
belt to Tahiti.
00:00:18
>> I 100% contemplated never doing that
00:00:21
sport again. [music] And our original
00:00:23
coach came over to my house and had a
00:00:25
very poignant talk to me. He put things
00:00:27
in a way that scared me. And his words
00:00:29
were basically, "Is there anyone else on
00:00:31
[music] this planet that you would trust
00:00:32
to look after those fighters?" One small
00:00:35
conversation, he changed my mind
00:00:36
completely. And I was like, "Fuck, I've
00:00:38
got to keep

Podspun Insights

In this gripping episode, the conversation takes a deep dive into the raw realities of combat sports, as a former fighter recounts the heart-wrenching moment when a friend died in his arms during a match. The emotional weight of that experience hangs heavy in the air, leading to a pivotal moment of reflection on the dangers of the sport. The narrative shifts as he recalls a significant conversation with his original coach, who posed a haunting question about trust and responsibility in the ring. This dialogue serves as a catalyst for his decision to continue fighting, revealing the complexities of passion, loss, and the bonds formed in the world of sports. The episode is a powerful exploration of resilience and the emotional stakes involved in pursuing a career that can be both exhilarating and devastating.

Badges

This episode stands out for the following:

  • 95
    Most heartbreaking
  • 90
    Most emotional
  • 90
    Best performance
  • 88
    Most intense

Episode Highlights

  • A Fatal Incident in the Ring
    A fighter tragically passes away due to a brain aneurysm during a match.
    “He never recovered.”
    @ 00m 13s
    January 24, 2026
  • A Life-Changing Conversation
    A poignant talk with a coach leads to a crucial decision about continuing in the sport.
    “Is there anyone else on this planet that you would trust?”
    @ 00m 32s
    January 24, 2026

Episode Quotes

Key Moments

  • Tragic Loss00:02
  • Pivotal Decision00:35

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