Israel Adesanya Honors Muhammad Ali: A Heartfelt Tribute in Three Lines
On the 8th anniversary of Muhammad Ali’s passing, Israel Adesanya, former UFC middleweight champion, shared an emotional tribute to “The Greatest.” Ali, a global icon who reshaped the world of boxing and inspired countless individuals, including Adesanya, left a profound legacy that continues to influence fighters and fans alike. Adesanya’s recent homage on social media captured his deep admiration for the legendary boxer in just three poignant lines.
A Legacy That Endures
Muhammad Ali’s death on June 3, 2016, due to respiratory complications, marked the end of an era. At 74, the boxing legend had battled Parkinson’s disease for over three decades. Despite his health struggles, Ali remained a symbol of strength, resilience, and defiance against adversity. On this solemn anniversary, Israel Adesanya joined millions in remembering Ali’s impact on and off the ring.
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.”
Adesanya’s Tribute to Ali
![Israel Adesanya](https://combatscoop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Untitled-design-2024-06-04T164510.108.jpg)
Taking to X, Adesanya posted a touching image of himself seated with Ali’s hands resting on his shoulders, a powerful visual from Adesanya’s brand, Engage. His caption read: “Always looking up to The Greatest of All Times! None could ever be an imitation. You will always be my inspiration. #AvatarRoku #guidance #spirit.” Adesanya’s words and the evocative photo resonated deeply within the fighting community and beyond.
Adesanya, known as ‘The Last Stylebender,’ likened Ali to Avatar Roku from the animated series ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender.’ This comparison highlighted Ali’s wisdom, power, and unyielding spirit, traits that Adesanya strives to embody. The tribute emphasized Ali’s role as a guiding force in Adesanya’s life and career.
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.”
A Constant Source of Inspiration
This recent homage isn’t the first time Adesanya has expressed his admiration for Ali. Throughout his career, Adesanya has frequently cited Ali’s words and actions as sources of motivation. Following his knockout victory over Alex Pereira at UFC 287, Adesanya echoed Ali’s famous lines: “Rumble, young man, rumble. I shook up the world. I made stone bleed. Tussled with a whale; handcuffed lightning, thrown thunder in jail.”
Adesanya’s reverence for Ali extends beyond the octagon. In 2022, he launched his apparel brand, Engage, and in a subsequent collaboration with Ali’s team, he released a promotional video featuring Ali’s quote, “He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.” This collaboration underscored the deep respect Adesanya holds for Ali and his teachings.
The Impact of Ali’s Words
Adesanya’s frequent references to Ali underscore the profound impact the legendary boxer has had on him. Ali’s speeches and fights have provided inspiration and guidance to Adesanya throughout his career. These moments of homage reflect Adesanya’s understanding of the immense challenges Ali faced and overcame, both inside and outside the ring.
Ali’s legacy as a champion for social justice, his poetic expressions, and his indomitable fighting spirit have inspired generations of athletes and activists. Adesanya’s tributes are a testament to the enduring influence Ali continues to wield in the world of combat sports.
The fighter wrote, “He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.”
Editor’s Note
Israel Adesanya’s heartfelt tribute to Muhammad Ali is a reminder of the lasting legacy of one of boxing’s greatest icons. Adesanya’s words capture the essence of what Ali represented—a beacon of hope, strength, and resilience. As we remember Ali’s contributions to sport and society, Adesanya’s homage serves as a bridge connecting the past with the present, inspiring future generations of fighters.