Israel Adesanya is aspiring to be something more than just a champion. With two title defenses under his name, he is chasing a much greater goal. That goal is to reach or surpass the legendary Anderson Silva’s record of 10 consecutive title defenses. Izzy is often compared to Silva, with the two having complementary styles.
Adesanya is the first fighter to even resemble the Silva sort of dominance over the division. The two have even faced each other, matching up in the main event of UFC 234. The fight was a true passing-of-the-torch, as the younger Adesanya won a unanimous decision in flamboyant fashion.
Izzy has often deferred to Silva as one of his idols in the sport. Despite being opponents, Izzy is a fan of the Brazilian. Silva will fight in the Octagon for the last time against Uriah Hall this weekend. And Israel Adesanya will be there to watch.
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Lol I just said this in a DM!! https://t.co/kuawO5nEbs pic.twitter.com/7h6geBdotF
— Israel Adesanya (@stylebender) October 27, 2020
Izyy will be cornering his teammate Carlos Ulberg for his fight on Dana White’s Contender Series, so will be in Las Vegas for Silva’s main event spot against Hall.
Israel Adesanya and his relationship with Anderson Silva
Izzy has always referred to Anderson Silva as one of his idols. Considering both men have unorthodox striking styles, it is obvious why Izzy would look up to Silva. Their fluid movement and deceptive power is what makes them unique inside the cage, and a very hard target to hit. Even after their fight, Silva told Izzy to never lose his focus. Silva probably sees Izzy as a spiritual successor and gave him advice to avoid a similar downfall.
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Silva looked unbeatable until he decided to take the challenge of Chris Weidman lightly. He left himself open for a brutal hook which ended his title run in unceremonious fashion. He never reached the summit again, after suffering a horrific injury in his second fight with Weidman. Silva has won only one MMA fight since, losing four and having one win overturned after a bad drug test.
Izzy, like many Silva fans, would love to see his final fight in person. However, he will get that opportunity while we see one of the greatest fighters ever take his final bow.