The gloves are off for Israel Adesanya, with the Kiwi UFC world champion stepping forward to do his part for MagicTalk host Ryan Bridge's 'Talkbackathon' for Child Cancer Foundation NZ.
'The Last Stylebender' has donated a pair of fight-worn gloves used inside the Octagon during his undefeated blitz of the UFC's middleweight division for auctioning, signing them live on The AM Show on Thursday morning.
Bridge will attempt to stay on-air for 36 hours non-stop to raise money for New Zealand's Child Cancer Foundation, from 6am Thursday through until 6pm Friday.
The auction is now live on TradeMe - with bidding already beyond $1000 at the time of writing.
All proceeds will go to Child Cancer Foundation, which supports families throughout all stages of their childhood cancer journey.
The 2019 Halberg Sportsman of the year, Adesanya has become one of the faces of the UFC during his heady rise to the title, winning fans across the planet with his combination of an electrifying fighting style and an undeniable gift of the gab.
With over 5.3 million Instagram followers, he's become New Zealand's most famous global athlete.
But, for the sake of Bridge's health, the 31-year-old - who boasts 15 knockouts in his 21 wins - drew the line at the suggestion of an auction for a one-round fight with the towering talkback host.
"I don't think you understand what that actually entails or what that feels like," Adesanya warns.
"There are many livers I've tasted before with this [fist]. It's different."
Donations to Bridge's cause can be made here.
