Who said pro wrestling and MMA don't mix?
In the main event of UFC 276, middleweight champion Israel Adesanya retained his title via unanimous decision, proving too strong for challenger Jared Cannonier.
But it was his pre-fight walkout that had plenty of people talking, with the Nigerian-born superstar coming out to the octagon with a WWE-inspired entrance.
As the arena lighting went black and purple, Adesanya walked out to The Undertaker's theme music - but he wasn't done there.
The 32-year-old was dressed in a wide-brim hat, similar to the Hall of Fame wrestler, as well as holding an urn with the name 'Jared' inscribed on it.
Watch Adesanya's UFC 276 walkout below, as well as The Undertaker's entrance at WrestleMania 27 for comparison.
Here. He. Comes. ☠️
— UFC (@ufc) July 3, 2022
[ @Stylebender | #UFC276 ] pic.twitter.com/Bv54ObOkyr
The Undertaker is one of the most beloved pro wrestlers in history, with his career in WWE spanning across four decades and winning multiple world titles with the company.
Daniel Cormier described it as 'the best walkout in history' on UFC commentary, while a number of fans and experts on social media applauded Adesanya for the cool moment.
Izzy walking out to Undertaker’s music!
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) July 3, 2022
And with the urn and hat too. It’s like the full walkout! Smoke and all. This is wild.
Also that’s JRC’s gimmick!
That Israel Adesanya walkout is walkout of the year. Maybe best walkout of ALL TIME. #UFC276
— Daniel Yanofsky (@DanYanofsky) July 3, 2022
That entrance was fucking incredible. Israel Adesanya made Jared Cannonier wait while he did the full ass Undertaker entrance. My goodness. #UFC276
— Andreas Hale (@AndreasHale) July 3, 2022
It wasn't the only bit of WWE flavour during the main event, with WWE executives Vince McMahon, Paul 'Triple H' Levesque and Stephanie McMahon all shown on the broadcast sitting in the crowd.
Adesanya would defeat Cannonier 49-46 49-46 50-45 in the main event in Las Vegas.
