“I look to do the same”- Israel Adesanya is aiming to set the bar higher than Conor McGregor

“I look to do the same”- Israel Adesanya is aiming to set the bar higher than Conor McGregor

Israel Adesanya and Conor McGregor

With very few days remaining for his fourth title defense, Israel Adesanya compares his success to former UFC champion, Conor McGregor. 

Both McGregor and Adesanya have shown some real praise for each other this past week. The UFC has been in very important negotiations with Adesanya regarding his new contract for the promotion. With his last contract, his next fight with Robert Whittaker at UFC 271 would have been his last fight. But after months of discussion, both the parties have finally come to an arrangement. 

With this new multi-fight contract, Izzy has become one of the highest-paid fighters in UFC’s history. When this news was heard by McGregor, the former UFC double champ didn’t stop to show his support. “Can’t wait to see Izzy style back in the octagon this weekend,” wrote McGregor in his official Twitter account. 

Israel Adesanya on Conor McGregor setting the bar high in MMA

Israel ADesanya and Conor McGregor
Israel Adesanya and Conor McGregor

Before defending his title against an old opponent, ‘The last style bender addressed some questions from the reporters at the UFC 271 media day. 

During the interaction, Izzy revealed that he has always been fond of Conor McGregor and believes he is a great performer. The fighter expressed his admiration towards the Irishman by explaining his accomplishments and how he has set a standard for every other UFC superstar. Izzy is keen to follow a similar path and achieve much more than what McGregor achieved before he announces retirement from MMA.

“Conor is a guy that I admired from the jump..he is a performer…I appreciate Conor for what he’s done for the game. Whether you like him or not, he f*****g raised the bar. He raised the bar for everyone. The whole game is better because of him…I look to do the same before I’m done with this game,” said Adesanya. 

What McGregor did for the UFC and the sport of MMA, in general, is exponential. And Izzy was very close to doing what McGregor did when he challenged Jan Blachowicz for the light heavyweight title. But the fighter failed to do so, but there is still time and it’s not hard to expect greatness from a fighter like Izzy. 

Alos Read: UFC 271: Israel Adesanya vs Robert Whittaker 2 Prediction, Odds and Fight Preview