Steroids conspiracy after UFC star Israel Adesanya’s ‘boob’ photo goes viral
Middleweight champion Israel Adesanya was forced to deny he’s a drug cheat after a bizarre photograph of his chest was taken at UFC 253.
UFC
Don't miss out on the headlines from UFC. Followed categories will be added to My News.
UFC star Israel Adesanya has angrily blasted rumours he takes performance-enhancing drugs after a still photo of his right pec went viral on social media.
The 31-year-old’s pec looked badly out of shape during his stunning KO victory against Paulo Costa in the headline bout at UFC 253 on the weekend.
Watch UFC action with ESPN on KAYO. Stream full Fight Night events live plus prelim fights for PPV events. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly
Some viewers posted on social media suggesting it could be the result of having taken a prohibited substance.
But when asked by ESPN reporter Ariel Helwani if he had taken steroids, Adesanya replied: “F*** no! F*** no! I know you believe me, but come on!
“I’m not one of those people that need a crutch that when that s*** is taken away, they feel weak, they feel inadequate.
“You saw that when USADA came through, a lot of bodies changed and a lot of people didn’t feel good enough without their little magic supplements.
“But that’s not me. Skills pay the bills.”
Adesanya put on a masterclass against Costa to retain his middleweight title on Sunday. But before the second round knockout, the champion’s abnormal-looking right pec caught the attention of viewers — including several fellow fighters.
Jon Jones tweeted: “What’s up with Izzy right t**.”
Middleweight star Chris Weidman said: “Nipweird?”
Aljamain Sterling wrote: “What’s up with Izzy’s right pec?! Did anyone else notice this? My girl just pointed it out.”
RELATED: Costa’s fury at Adesanya’s ‘dog act’
RELATED: Female UFC fighters have a baby
Unbeaten Adesanya, 31, was asked about his chest in the post-fight press conference.
He responded: “Why are they looking at my t****es?”
Doctor Brian Sutterer explained Adesanya’s right pec in a YouTube video.
He said: “I don’t think this is a pec tear. I saw that pop up online and there’s no way Adesanya would have been able to fight with a pec tear.
“The other thing we need to think about here is whether this is just an accumulation of fatty tissue.
“That would be called pseudogynecomastia.
“That can be from a number of different totally benign things, even things like repetitive trauma to an area which would make complete sense for a mixed martial artist.”
This article first appeared on The Sun and was reproduced with permission
Originally published as Steroids conspiracy after UFC star Israel Adesanya’s ‘boob’ photo goes viral