Israel Adesanya used his Halberg Awards speech to call out New Zealand's tall poppy syndrome. UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya was crowned sportsman of the year at the Halberg Awards on Thursday night – and used the moment to take a stand. On stage at Spark Arena, Adesanya took a jab at New Zealand's tall poppy syndrome. "New Zealand we have this ... culture of tall poppy syndrome which is messed up," he said. "Rest in Peace Jimmy Thunder, David Tua, Doug Viney sitting right there, Ray Sefo, Joseph Parker, and now Israel Adesanya.

Source: Stuff February 13, 2020 09:19 UTC