UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has been hailed by ex-fighter, Michael Bisping and MMA fighter Anthony Smith as the most creative champion in the sport right now.

Since making his debut in 2018, ‘The Last Stylebender’ has looked better each time he’s stepped into the octagon and is still undefeated at the middleweight. He first captured the interim title in the Fight of the Year winner against Kelvin Gastelum in 2019. ‘Izzy’ then defeated Robert Whittaker and unified the titles that same year.

He has successfully defended his title four times since. On an otherwise perfect record for Adesanya (22-1), his only loss was during his unsuccessful step up to light heavyweight, losing to then-champion Jan Blachowicz.

On the latest episode of the Believe You Me podcast, Anthony Smith commended the 32-year-old for his unpredictability and creativity in the octagon.

“I think he’s fantastic. I like how creative he is. I feel like I always see him do something and I always want to go back to the gym and try it. He’s getting better and better. It’s cool watching his take-down defense, his grappling ability, and just the new ways he finds to land shots.

“He’s just a character. I look forward to his interviews and he’s unapologetically himself, he doesn’t give a sh*t what anyone thinks about him.” He added

Israel Adesanya steps into the octagon once again this July at UFC 276. His opponent is KO specialist Jared Cannonier. The American is on an impressive win streak and is coming off the back of a devastating elbow knockout victory over Derek Brunson.

Adesanya is looking to successfully defend his middleweight title for a fifth time as he chases a record 10 defenses from MMA GOAT Anderson Silva.