UFC boss Dana White didn't hold back in his appraisal of Kiwi-Nigerian fighter Israel Adesanya, following his breakthrough victory at UFC 230 yesterday.
Up against the world's sixth ranked fighter Derek Brunson, Adesanya proved a class above, taking the bout with a TKO towards the end of the first round.
Speaking at his post-event press conference, White spoke of his excitement at Adesanya's UFC future.
"Israel has been a guy who has been on the rise here for a minute, but I really felt like tonight was his first big test." White said.
"His opponent hits like a truck and wrestles really well, and Madison Square Garden, opening the show, man, did he deliver. Many people - including me - think this kid is the future, and he went out and put a stamp on it tonight.
MMA middleweight Adesanya is set to fight American fighter Derek Brunson in New York at the famous sporting venue Madison Square Garden.
"He came out and really looked good. If you look at how good he's looked in his other fights, he didn't even finish. He finished Derek Brunson tonight. It's a big deal."
White refused to comment as to whether or not yesterday's win would see Adesanya given a marquee matchup, with names such as Anderson Silva or Luke Rochhold thrown into the mix to face the him.
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