Israel Adesanya an inspiration for soccer star Mo Salah

Israel Adesanya‘s presence in mixed martial arts is an inspiration to many, but his influence is beginning to spread into other sports.

‘The Last Stylebender’ has an easy-on-the-eye fighting style, but his image is a major factor in his level of star-power. The kickboxing phenom walks around with unique aura and is undoubtedly one of the biggest names in the UFC.

One man who finds inspiration in Israel Adesanya is Liverpool soccer player Mo Salah.

Salah revealed that Adesanya’s iconic bow and arrow action post-Alex Pereira win inspired him for his newfound goal celebration.

“I think I was watching the UFC,” Salah said on his glistening new goal celebration. “Pereira against Israel Adesanya.”

“When he won the second fight against Pereira, he celebrated like that. Because Pereira, I think, beat him in the first one.”

“So, I like the celebration, then that’s why I did it… I’m a UFC fan, yeah.”

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A post shared by Mohamed Salah (@mosalah)

The knockout heard around the world was arguably Israel Adesanya’s defining moment inside the octagon.

Even with his accolades and Hall-of-Fame-level career with the UFC, his finish of Alex Pereira will possibly always be the standout moment of his career.

Like Adesanya, Mo Salah is a superstar in his own sport and has managed to dominate at both domestic and world levels. 

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The Egyptian attacker has been a real driving force in the vibrant red of Liverpool FC since signing for ‘The Reds’. He helped end the historic club’s 30-year English Premier League drought with an excellent showing in the 2019/20 campaign, and was a mainstay in the team as they lifted the UEFA Champions League trophy.

Alongside his club success, Salah played a pivotal role in guiding his country to the finals of the Africa Cup of Nation’s in 2021. Unfortunately for the goal scoring ace, he was unable to push them over the line, taking the silver medal behind Senegal.

Check out what Mo Salah had to say about Israel Adesanya and more below.