Israel Adesanya says he takes inspiration from Darren Till
Israel Adesanya has repeatedly expressed his interest in facing former Welterweight title contender Darren Till. Earlier, Adesanya credited Till after the latter's incredible performance against former Champion Robert Whittaker. Israel Adesanya put out a tweet where he complimented Till's striking.
In the past, Israel Adesanya had expressed the desire to fight Darren Till at the O2 Arena or the Wimbledon. Talking about two huge match-ups in the Middleweight division in the form of Robert Whittaker vs Jared Cannonier and Darren Till vs Jack Hermansson, Adesanya stated that he wants Cannonier to emerge victorious at UFC 254.
"Same with Darren. But also Jack Hermansson I’d like to fight, but I really want to fight Darren one day in the O2 or in Wimbledon. That would be a good excuse to go to England. Go sip some tea and crumpets.”- Adesanya said.
Israel Adesanya compliments Darren Till with hilarious imitation
Israel Adesanya appeared alongside MMA Junkie journalist Mike Bohn and shared his thoughts on Darren Till. Adesanya added that he likes to stay on the feet during fights, but the division is sleeping on his ground game.
"I have said it on record already. I like his arts, his style. I love striking. I love grappling though, you guys haven't seen my grappling game yet. You guys have't seen how I choke mothereffers out." Adesanya said.
Israel Adesanya also opened up on what makes Darren Till a dangerous fighter. Having competed at the Welterweight division for the better part of his UFC career, many fight fans believe that Till was destined to be a Middleweight.
He did just that with an impressive Middleweight debut against Kelvin Gastelum back at UFC 244. Till has great power in his hands, and with solid striking to complement his fighting style, he is a huge threat to the division.
"So yeah, I love striking. I love the way he strikes, very basic muay thai, and I mean that with all respect but also his clinch game and his elbow game is advance. But he sticks to his basic muay thai, his left kick, his left straight, the way he curves his left - beautiful to watch. And yeah, I take inspiration from a guy like that."
While Robert Whittaker vs Jared Cannonier looks like the possible #1 contender's match for the UFC Middleweight Championship, if Darren Till can get past Jack Hermansson in December, there's a reason to believe that Till could be in for a title shot with another victory inside the octagon.