UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya delivered a powerful speech in his adopted city of Auckland, New Zealand during a protest prompted by the deaths of Black people at the hands of law enforcement.
The fighter has recently been sending messages of support on social media, and he chose to attend the rally in person to support the cause. In his speech, he addressed the systemic racism faced by Black people in New Zealand and abroad, citing his own experience with racism and saying, “What do I do? I didn’t have a choice. But if I did have a choice, I’d still be Black.” His words were met with cheers, and he finished his time in front of the mic by encouraging people of all races to speak up against racism.
You can watch the speech below:
