UFC boss Dana White didn't hold back in his appraisal of Kiwi-Nigerian fighter Israel Adesanya, following his breakthrough victory at UFC 230 yesterday.
Up against the world's sixth ranked fighter Derek Brunson, Adesanya proved a class above, taking the bout with a TKO towards the end of the first round.
Speaking at his post-event press conference, White spoke of his excitement at Adesanya's UFC future.
"Israel has been a guy who has been on the rise here for a minute, but I really felt like tonight was his first big test." White said.
"His opponent hits like a truck and wrestles really well, and Madison Square Garden, opening the show, man, did he deliver. Many people - including me - think this kid is the future, and he went out and put a stamp on it tonight.
MMA middleweight Adesanya is set to fight American fighter Derek Brunson in New York at the famous sporting venue Madison Square Garden. (Source: Other)
"He came out and really looked good. If you look at how good he's looked in his other fights, he didn't even finish. He finished Derek Brunson tonight. It's a big deal."
White refused to comment as to whether or not yesterday's win would see Adesanya given a marquee matchup, with names such as Anderson Silva or Luke Rochhold thrown into the mix to face the him.
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