Henry Cejudo reflects on the boundaries of trash talk and the legacy of Mike Tyson
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Henry Cejudo, the former UFC champion, recently shared his thoughts on Israel Adesanya’s controversial interaction with Dricus du Plessis at UFC 290. Adesanya made headlines when he entered the cage after du Plessis defeated Robert Whittaker and engaged in intense trash talk with the South African fighter, using some controversial language. This encounter has divided fans, and it is expected that the build-up to a fight between Adesanya and du Plessis will be heated.
Cejudo reflects on the question of how far is too far when it comes to trash talk. He admits that he used to believe going too far was crossing a line, but once something is done, it’s done. He draws a comparison to the era of Mike Tyson, known for his outrageous statements, including controversial remarks about eating children and religious references. Cejudo acknowledges that such words are no longer acceptable in public discourse.
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On a personal level, Cejudo admits that he doesn’t like Adesanya because of comments he made about his country, which he chooses not to repeat. However, he does acknowledge Adesanya’s fighting ability and respects him in that regard. Cejudo emphasizes that the goal of trash talk is to bring attention to the fight, and the question becomes how far one can go. He notes that, depending on the context and the speaker, the use of the N-word has become normalized in pop culture, with even white adolescents using it among themselves.
Cejudo’s comments highlight the complex nature of trash talk in combat sports. While some may view Adesanya’s behavior as crossing a line, others may see it as part of the promotion and spectacle of the sport. Provocative language has a long tradition in combat sports, as competitors use it to generate interest and build tension before a match. However, the distinction between obnoxious behavior and effective marketing remains a fine one, and different people hold various ideas about where to draw the line.
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