UFC ring announcer Bruce Buffer has labelled Israel Adesanya a "superstar in the making", saying he could become one of the greatest in the sport.
Buffer is in New Zealand for UFC Fight Night Auckland on Sunday and the voice of the sport talked to The Project on Friday about having one of the most interesting jobs in the world.
He also gave his two cents about NZ's own UFC big-name.
"Israel Adesanya is fantastic coming from New Zealand and making the mark that he's making in the UFC," Buffer told The Project. "He's on his way to being potentially one of the greatest fighters to ever fight in the octagon.
"He has what I call the 'it factor'. People like to hear him talk, they like to see him fight, they want to know what he eats for breakfast [and] they want to know how he leads his life.
"This is a superstar in the making."
Last week, Adesanya beat Blackcaps captain Kane Williamson, Supercars champion Scott McLaughlin and shot put champion Tom Walsh to win the prestigious Sportsman of the Year prize at the Halberg Awards.
The 30-year-old is one of New Zealand's highest-profile athletes, beating Robert Whittaker to claim the middleweight world title at UFC 243 in Melbourne.
Adeyansaya's first title defence is scheduled for March 7, when he faces Cuban Yoel Romero at UFC 248 in Nevada.
Join us for live updates of UFC Auckland from 10am Sunday.
