“Still at the top of his game” – Israel Adesanya praises Yoel Romero but provides warning ahead of UFC 248

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Israel Adesanya defends his UFC Middleweight title against Yoel Romero at UFC 248

New Zealand/Nigerian star Israel Adesanya participated in an interview with ESPN’s Phil Murphy ahead of his clash against Yoel Romero.

The 30-year-old Adesanya faces a tough clash against the 42-year-old Romero but is confident of doing well.

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Middleweight title winner Israel Adesanya celebrates after defeating Robert Whittaker (Photo by ASANKA BRENDON RATNAYAKE / AFP) / — IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE — (Photo by ASANKA BRENDON RATNAYAKE/AFP via Getty Images)

One of the questions asked by Murphy was when did Adesanya understand that his skill set had exceeded that of Romero’s.

The 42-year-old hasn’t fought more MMA bouts that the Kiwi, but he has close to 20 years of wrestling experience.

Romero also has won Olympic medals in the past, and Adesanya had some praise for his rival:

“He’s been at the top for a while. Right now, as a 42-year-old, he’s still at the top of his game.

“He says, he feels better than he did when he was 20, so I take his word for it.”

However, the champion added that he would prove how much better he is than his rival soon:

“Saturday night, you’ll find out why I am better than Yoel Romero.”

Romero not backing down

Although the Cuban might be the underdog in this clash, he isn’t going down without a fight.

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Israel Adesanya celebrates his victory over Robert Whittaker in their Middleweight clash (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

The 42-year-old cut an incredible interview recently where he spoke about Muhammad Ali too.

Romero does come into this clash with two losses in his last two fights, but he will be a tough opponent for Adesanya.

The Cuban is a great technician and Adesanya has to be wary and use his defensive skills well. The Kiwi was asked how his defence had become this good by Murphy and he replied that it was practice and more practice.

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Yoel Romero of Cuba talks to the media during the UFC 205 Ultimate Media Day (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Adesanya has won 18 fights in a row, and it will be interesting to see if he can get one over on Romero on Saturday.

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