Kiwi-Nigerian figher Israel Adesanya has opened up about the prospect of facing off against his idol Anderson Silva, with the two to meet in February.
After a remarkable year that's seen him catapult onto the world stage, Adesanya stands on the verge of an even greater 12 months in 2019, starting with facing Silva in Melbourne.
Speaking to 1 NEWS today though, Adesanya was nothing but confident of victory against his hero.
"Initially, I was like 'woah, I'm fighting Anderson Silva', but I've kind of gotten over that hump now," he began.
"Now it's just like 'meh, I'm fighting Anderson Silva'.
"At first I said I'm going to 'Anderson Silva' Anderson Silva. I'm going to 'Israel Adesanya' Anderson Silva, I'm going to show him who I am."
Adesanya also said that he won't approach the fight any differently, despite Silva's status as one of the UFC's greatest ever fighters.
"The best way I can show respect is to f*** him up.
"To kick him in the face, to let him know who I am."
The Nigerian-born fighter also revealed that he cancelled a planned trip to Europe to prepare for the fight with Silva.
"History only comes around once, if I say no to this fight, I'll regret it for the rest of my life.
"Europe's always going to be there, this only comes around once - the chance to kill your hero."
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