Israel Adesanya Faces Backlash Over Controversial Remarks About Lagos Girls
Nigerian-born UFC fighter Israel Adesanya, popularly known as the Last Stylebender, is facing widespread criticism following controversial comments he made about women in Lagos. In a recent video posted on his social media account, Adesanya claimed that many women in Lagos are engaged in prostitution, often referred to as “runs girls.”
In the video shared on his official X account on Monday, Adesanya accused Lagos women of flaunting lifestyles funded by prostitution. Despite his harsh criticism, the former UFC middleweight champion advised these women to be more humble and adopt a friendlier demeanour instead of displaying arrogance.
Speaking in Yoruba, Adesanya stated, “Lagos women like to feel important and are proud. Most of you are runs girls. I now understand what a runs girl is—cheap prostitutes. You want to flaunt and show off. Nonsense. Just be nice, be friendly, say hello.”
This isn’t the first time Adesanya has stirred controversy with his social media comments. He previously faced backlash for misgendering Imane Khelif, an Algerian gold medalist at the 2024 Olympics, in a post that was widely criticized.
Adesanya’s latest remarks have sparked a flurry of reactions on social media, with many expressing shock and disappointment. The controversial video comes shortly after his arrival in Lagos last Wednesday, where he received a warm welcome despite his recent fourth-round submission loss to South Africa’s Dricus Du Plessis in their middleweight title fight at UFC 305 in Perth.
