Israel Adesanya has compared Tyson Fury to WWE legend The Undertaker due to 'the way he got up in the last round' against Deontay Wilder in December 2018.
Following his win over Robert Whittaker, the UFC middleweight champion, 32, has been doing a tour of the UK, and was recently seen accompanying Lawrence Okolie to the ring with Anthony Joshua last Sunday night.
But despite being close pals with AJ, the Last Stylebender, who is an avid boxing fan, is also a known admirer of the Gypsy King.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Adesanya was asked to reveal the first word that pops into his head when he hears Fury's name.
He revealed: "Resurrection. I like that. Resurrection.
"The way he got up in the last round, that just kind of shows a story of his life, his resurrection.
"Yeah, the Undertaker."
Adesanya stated that he respects Fury for inspiring those who are struggling with mental health issues.
Boxing - Tyson Fury v Deontay Wilder - WBC Heavyweight Title - T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. - October 9, 2021 Tyson Fury during a press conference after winning the fight against Deontay Wilder, as promoter Bob Arum looks on REUTERS/Steve Marcus
Asked what he admires the most about Fury, he replied: "His honesty and his vulnerability.
"He's not scared to be vulnerable with his emotions, with what he's been through, his dark times, and that's where he gets his strength from, from his vulnerability.
"And just the whole story of how he's been at the lowest of lows, like we all have at some point in our life, and then just rose from the ashes like a phoenix.
"That's inspiring.
"And just as a human being, he's a special human being, and I really respect the guy."
Jun 12, 2021; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Israel Adesanya reacts following his victory against Marvin Vettori during UFC 263 at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The New Zealander also explained that training helps keep his own demons at bay and encouraged people to do the same.
He added: "Yeah, everyone has.
"I mean, people might try and like hide it, or say 'I don't want to see a therapist'.
"It's like saying that you've never been sick before. Of course you've been physically ill. Everybody has been mentally ill at some point.
"But it's just if you don't look after your mental health, just as if you don't look after your physical health, you're going to get physically ill or mentally ill.
"So you just have to look after your mental health just as you look after your physical health.
"I really pride myself on that."
As we mentioned, this isn't the first time Adesanya has spoken highly about Fury.
He previously said: “I love his story. It’s phenomenal.
“I can’t wait for the biopic to come out.
“He’s a phenomenal human being, not just a fighter. I really admire what he’s done.”