Muhammad Ali has played a major role in transforming the lives of people. He was indeed an inspiration to fighters and spectators alike. One such fighter who was inspired by ‘The Greatest’ was the former UFC middleweight champion, Israel Adesanya. On Ali’s 8th death anniversary, the former 2-time champion shared a picture and three lines, honoring the legendary boxer on social media. The fighting community drowned in sorrow on June 3, 2016, when the legendary boxer took his final breath.

In 2016, Ali was hospitalized owing to respiratory problems, and sadly, passed away at the age of 74. Now, along with the entire world, Adesanya paid tribute to Ali on his death anniversary via social media.

Israel Adesanya remembers Muhammad Ali

‘The Last Stylebender’ took to X and shared a picture of him sitting down, while Ali put his hands on the mixed martial artist’s shoulder. The picture had the branding of Adesanya’s company, ‘Engage’. And the words were high praise for ‘The Greatest’. Adesanya claimed that he always looked up to the G.O.A.T., and no one else could ever replace him. 

To add to the story, Adesanya declared Ali to be Avatar Roku, one of the strongest characters from the animated series, ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’. The New Zealander reflected that, like Avatar Roku, Ali had immense knowledge and was a powerful and formidable fighter. 

Adesanya captioned, “Always looking up to The Greatest of All Times! None could ever be an imitation. You will always be my inspiration. #AvatarRoku #guidance #spirit.” After inspiring many others with Ali’s quotes, the former 2-time UFC champion gave the legendary boxer a heartfelt tribute.

Of course, this wasn’t the first time Adesanya expressed his admiration for Ali. He has quoted the great boxer on multiple occasions and has even compared himself with him. 

Former middleweight champion’s admiration for ‘The Greatest’

Last year, after Adesanya defeated his rival, Alex Pereira, with a knockout in the second round at UFC 287, he recited one of Ali’s quotes right after the fight. He said, “Thank you, thank you. Mashallah. Bismillah. Rumble, young man, rumble. I shook up the world. I made stone bleed.” He added, “Tussled with a whale; handcuffed lightning, thrown thunder in jail.” Meanwhile, there was another instance as well when ‘The Last Stylebender’ recited some of Ali’s words.

Back in 2022, Adesanya launched his apparel brand ‘Engage’. A year later and just before the events of UFC 287, Adesanya posted a video on X. He released some products in collaboration with Muhammad Ali’s team, and shared the promotional video on X. Without a doubt, he put one of Ali’s quotes in the caption. The fighter wrote, “He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.” The respect and admiration that Adesanya has for Ali is palpable.

Ali’s speeches and fights have inspired a shipload of fighters. And Israel Adesanya is indeed one of them. What do you think of Adesanya’s tribute to Ali? Let us know in the comments below.