Israel Adesanya Addresses UFC 253 Pectoral Controversy, Thinks Smoking Marijuana Was Possible Cause

During a recent interview with Ariel Helwani’s MMA Show for ESPN, UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya addressed an odd controversy that came out of his successful title defense against Paulo Costa at UFC 253. Some critics, including Jon Jones, noted the odd shape of one of his pectorals for the fight. Some suggested it was caused by steroid use. Adesanya addressed the issue during his interview with Helwani (via MMAWeekly).

Adesanya stated, “My pituitary gland was checked, hormone levels are fine, estrogen and testosterone. Yesterday we had an ultrasound and a mammogram. I had one for the first time. To be honest, it might have just been unhealthy living a little bit. Like smoking weed. That’s what the doctor from the UFC said. He said I need to stop, but I’m not stopping; I’m just going to slow down on the smoking weed.”

Following Adesanya’s interview, former UFC fighter and title contender Jon Fitch shared his thoughts on the issue. Fitch tweeted, “I smoke a s*** ton of weed. I did for 18 years of fighting. Not one swollen titty.” Fitch himself previously failed a pre-fight drug test his December 2015 fight in World Series of Fighting. He reportedly had elevated levels of testosterone before his 90-second loss to Rousimar Palhares. He was suspended for nine months.

Israel Adesanya is slated to move up to light heavyweight to face Jan Blachowicz for his next fight. You can view a clip of Adesanya on Helwani’s ESPN show below.

I smoke a shit tone of weed.

I did for 18 years of fighting.

Not one swollen titty. https://t.co/Mi9V24a6xm

— Jon Fitch 🏴‍☠️ (@jonfitchdotnet) November 5, 2020