Israel Adesanya Reacts to UFC 6 Cover Snub with Viral Meme

If you’ve been anywhere near a gym, a sports bar, or even your cousin’s Instagram feed in the last 48 hours, you’ve probably seen it: the UFC 6 cover art, featuring Alex Pereira and Max Holloway in all their glory—with one remarkably noticeable, very meme-worthy detail. Peeking out from the edge of the frame, like a ghost from UFC past, is the shoulder of Israel Adesanya. And if you thought the man himself would take this with anything less than his signature mix of humor and swagger, well, you don’t know Adesanya.

The moment the cover dropped, Adesanya didn’t just acknowledge the snub—he turned it into a viral masterpiece. Borrowing a scene from *The Boys*, where Chance Crawford’s character, The Deep, reacts to being cropped out of a photo, Adesanya superimposed the UFC 6 cover into the clip. “Hey, that’s my shoulder,” he deadpanned in the video, channeling The Deep’s outrage. “Right there, that’s my f—ing shoulder! They cut me from the picture. They can’t just cut me from the f—ing picture. They can’t just cut me out.” The post racked up 127,000 likes in six hours, and if you’ve ever doubted the power of a well-timed meme, this was your proof.

But here’s the thing: this isn’t just a funny moment. It’s a snapshot of a rivalry that’s defined the UFC’s middleweight—and now light heavyweight—divisions for the better part of a decade. And if you’re in Seattle, where Adesanya is set to return to the cage this weekend against Joe Pyfer, this meme isn’t just entertainment. It’s a reminder of how deeply combat sports are woven into the city’s culture, from the underground gyms in Rainier Valley to the packed watch parties at bars like The Angry Beaver in Belltown. Seattle has always had a love affair with combat sports, and Adesanya’s latest viral moment is just the latest chapter in that story.

The Rivalry That Defined a Division

To understand why Adesanya’s reaction to the UFC 6 cover is such a big deal, you have to go back to the beginning. Adesanya and Pereira’s rivalry didn’t start in the UFC. It started in kickboxing, where Pereira—then a relatively unknown fighter—handed Adesanya his first loss in the sport. That loss stung, but it also set the stage for one of the most compelling narratives in modern MMA. When Pereira transitioned to the UFC, he didn’t just climb the ranks—he bulldozed through them, earning a title shot against Adesanya at UFC 281 in November 2022. And in a fight that will go down as one of the most dramatic in UFC history, Pereira knocked Adesanya out in the fifth round to win the middleweight championship.

For Adesanya, that loss wasn’t just a setback. It was a wake-up call. In the months that followed, he didn’t just train harder—he trained smarter. And when the two met again at UFC 287 in April 2023, Adesanya didn’t just win. He dominated. A vicious knockout in the second round not only avenged his loss but reclaimed the middleweight title in the process. It was the kind of redemption story that sports movies are made of, and it cemented Adesanya’s place as one of the most resilient fighters in UFC history.

But here’s where things get interesting. Since that rematch, Adesanya’s career has taken a turn. He’s lost three fights in a row, including a decision loss to Sean Strickland that many fans still argue was a robbery. Meanwhile, Pereira has moved up to light heavyweight, where he’s found even more success, including a title win over Jiří Procházka. The rivalry, it seems, is far from over—and that’s what makes the UFC 6 cover so fascinating. It’s not just a snub. It’s a symbolic passing of the torch, a reminder that while Adesanya may have been the king of the middleweight division for years, Pereira is the one carrying the torch now.

Why Seattle Should Care

If you’re in Seattle, this weekend’s UFC Fight Night 271 at Climate Pledge Arena isn’t just another card. It’s a chance to see Adesanya at a crossroads. A win against Joe Pyfer could put him back in the title conversation, while a loss could signal the conclude of an era. And given how deeply the city has embraced combat sports—from the historic boxing gyms in the Central District to the rise of MMA gyms like AMC Pankration and Cageside Fitness—this fight is more than just entertainment. It’s a reflection of the city’s own relationship with the sport.

Seattle has always been a city that punches above its weight in combat sports. The old-school boxing scene here is legendary, with gyms like Cronk’s Gym and Belltown Boxing Club producing fighters who’ve gone on to compete at the highest levels. And in recent years, MMA has taken root in a big way. Gyms like Trinity MMA in South Seattle and Northwest Fighting Arts in Ballard have become hubs for aspiring fighters, while events like UFC Fight Night 271 draw crowds that rival those of any other major sporting event in the city.

But it’s not just about the fighters. It’s about the fans. Seattle’s combat sports community is tight-knit, and it’s not uncommon to see fighters training at local gyms or stopping by bars after fights. The city’s love for the sport is palpable, and it’s why moments like Adesanya’s UFC 6 meme resonate so deeply here. It’s not just a joke—it’s a conversation starter, a way for fans to engage with the sport on a deeper level.

The Business of Being a UFC Star

Adesanya’s reaction to the UFC 6 cover also highlights something else: the business side of being a UFC star. For fighters, the cover of a UFC video game isn’t just a cool honor—it’s a marketing opportunity. EA Sports’ UFC games are massive, with millions of copies sold worldwide, and being featured on the cover can mean a significant boost in visibility and endorsement deals. Adesanya, who’s been on the cover of UFC games three times before, knows this better than anyone. And while his meme was all in good fun, it also served as a reminder that he’s still one of the biggest names in the sport, even if he’s not the champion right now.

For Seattle’s local businesses, Here’s a lesson in how to leverage pop culture moments. Whether it’s a bar hosting a UFC watch party or a gym offering a special training session inspired by Adesanya’s fight style, there’s an opportunity here to tap into the hype. And with the city’s thriving small business scene, it’s not hard to imagine a local brewery releasing a limited-edition “Stylebender” IPA or a sports bar offering a “UFC 6 Cover Snub” discount for anyone who shows up wearing an Adesanya shirt.

What’s Next for Adesanya?

Adesanya’s fight against Pyfer this weekend is more than just another bout on the card. It’s a chance for him to prove that he’s still a force to be reckoned with. Pyfer is a rising star in the middleweight division, with a 15-3 record and a string of impressive wins. He’s the kind of fighter who could give Adesanya trouble, and a win here would go a long way toward re-establishing Adesanya as a title contender.

But even if Adesanya wins, the road back to the top won’t be easy. The middleweight division is stacked, with fighters like Dricus Du Plessis and Sean Strickland waiting in the wings. And with Pereira now dominating at light heavyweight, there’s always the possibility of a trilogy fight down the line. For Adesanya, the path forward is clear: he needs to keep winning, keep entertaining, and keep reminding the world why he’s one of the most charismatic fighters in UFC history.

And if his UFC 6 meme is any indication, he’s not going to let a little thing like being cropped out of a video game cover unhurried him down.

If This Story Hits Close to Home in Seattle, Here’s Who You Require to Know

Given my background in covering combat sports and the business behind them, I know how easy it is to get swept up in the hype of a big fight or a viral moment. But if you’re in Seattle and this story has you thinking about how to turn your passion for MMA into something more—whether it’s training, coaching, or even starting a business—here are the three types of local professionals Try to be talking to:

Combat Sports Gym Owners and Coaches

If you’re inspired by Adesanya’s resilience and want to start training, Seattle has no shortage of gyms where you can learn from the best. But not all gyms are created equal. Look for coaches with a proven track record in MMA, boxing, or kickboxing—preferably ones who’ve worked with fighters at the regional or national level. Gyms like AMC Pankration and Northwest Fighting Arts are great places to start, but don’t be afraid to shop around. The best gym for you is one where you feel comfortable, challenged, and supported. Ask about their training philosophy, their success stories, and whether they offer programs for beginners. And if you’re serious about competing, make sure they have experience preparing fighters for amateur or pro bouts.

Sports Marketing and Branding Experts

Adesanya’s UFC 6 meme wasn’t just funny—it was a masterclass in personal branding. If you’re a fighter, coach, or even a local business owner looking to leverage combat sports for marketing, you need someone who understands how to turn moments into movements. Look for professionals with experience in sports marketing, social media strategy, and influencer partnerships. They should have a portfolio that includes perform with athletes, gyms, or sports-related brands. Ask them about their approach to storytelling, their experience with viral content, and how they measure success. And if you’re a fighter, make sure they understand the unique challenges of marketing in combat sports, where reputation and authenticity are everything.

Event Planners and Venue Managers

Seattle’s combat sports scene is thriving, but it’s not just about the big UFC events at Climate Pledge Arena. Local promotions, amateur fights, and even watch parties are a big part of the culture. If you’re looking to host an event—whether it’s a small amateur card or a big watch party—you need someone who knows how to navigate the logistics. Look for event planners with experience in sports or entertainment, preferably ones who’ve worked with venues like El Corazón or The Showbox. They should understand the permitting process, have relationships with local vendors, and know how to create an experience that keeps fans coming back. Ask about their past events, their approach to security, and how they handle last-minute changes. And if you’re planning a watch party, make sure they know how to create a high-energy atmosphere, from big screens to fighter appearances.

Ready to find trusted professionals? Browse our complete directory of top-rated UFC, Alex Pereira, Israel Adesanya, and UFC 6 experts in the Seattle area today.