UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya says that Conor McGregor has 'raised the bar' in MMA and hopes to emulate that in his career
Friday 11 February 2022 13:11, UK
UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has paid tribute to Conor McGregor for "raising the bar" in MMA and is hoping that he can emulate that in his career.
The 32-year-old was responding to a tweet put out by the Irishman after it was announced that the current middleweight champion had signed a multi-fight deal with the UFC, reportedly making him the second-highest paid fighter in the promotion.
McGregor tweeted: ""Can't wait to see Izzy Style back in the Octagon this weekend. One of the true remaining high-level fighter/performer athletes we have on the roster. Don't just fight. Perform!"
Speaking to the press ahead of his re-match with Robert Whittaker at UFC 271 in Houston, Texas, Adesanya revealed that, with his new UFC deal, he believes he is behind only McGregor when it comes to pay.
"Real recognise real," Adesanya said. "We're on the same team when it comes to Paradigm. Yeah, I think I'm second place now when it comes to highest-paid fighter on the roster, well, active right now.
"But Conor is a guy that I've admired from the jump, when he fought Marcus Brimage (McGregor's UFC debut).
"He's a performer. So, when he said 'perform,' I know what he means. You don't just go in there and fight. You perform.
"I appreciate Conor and what he's done for the game. Whether you like him or not, he's raised the bar, the whole game is better because of him.
"Ronda Rousey did that in her time - I look to raise the bar the same."
However, all attention for Adesanya (21-1) could now be directed at the man he took the middleweight title off back in 2019 - Robert Whittaker (24-5).
The pair first met at UFC 243 in front of a record-breaking crowd in Sydney, Australia. "The Stylebender" beat Whittaker with a second-round knockout in a one-sided fight.
Since then the Australian has gone on to record three straight victories over Darren Till, Jared Cannonier and Kelvin Gastelum. And at the UFC 271 press conference Adesanya admitted that he has seen change in the 31-year-old's game, but he still has the psychological advantage.
"His last three fights, he's done what he's always done". Adesanya told reporters. "He's improved. He's always been a beast, but I'm a different beast - but the same animal.
"After beating them, you're in their head. I was already there anyway but you're already in their head. Once you beat them, the way I did it last time, you can't get over that.
"It takes a lot of work, and I feel like he's done the work. He's admitted what I was telling him. I'm glad he's finally admitted I was right; I still have properties in there rent-free."
The evening's co-main event see's Houston hometown favourite Derrick Lewis take on Tai Tuivasa in a heavyweight showdown. Lewis (26-8) has won five of his past six while Tuivasa (14-3), has won four in a row, all via knockout. Many predict that this fight won't go the distance and the message was clear from Lewis when asked for his prediction.
"With the utmost respect, I'm knocking him out!"
