
Israel Adesanya has revealed his “admiration” for Conor McGregor after signing a lucrative new UFC deal that sees the middleweight champion close in on the Irishman, who is the highest-paid athlete in mixed martial arts.
Adesanya defends his title against rival Robert Whittaker in the main event of UFC 271 on Saturday, when a win would give the Nigerian-born New Zealander his second cause for celebration this week.