Israel Adesanya picked up a split decision win over Marvin Vettori on the main card of UFC On Fox 29.
The undefeated fighter faced some criticism for going the distance with the unheralded Vettori.
That criticism has lead Adesanya to compare himself to Jesus Christ, whom the fighter says was also crucified, much like the critics did to him.
“When you’re in my position and all eyes are on you, people are going to criticize you,” Adesanya said on the UFC on FOX 29 post-fight show. “Even Jesus Christ, he was the greatest guy of all time; he got crucified. I welcome all the criticism. Because it’s good for me. I criticize myself.”
Adesanya was competing for just the second time under the UFC banner, with his first being a second round TKO victory over Rob Wilkinson at UFC 221. The victory over Vettori was also the first time Adesanya has gone the distance in his professional MMA career. In face, it was the first time that Adesanya had even gone past the second round as a professional MMA fighter.
There has been no comment from Jesus Christ or his representatives on the thoughts verbalized by Adesanya.
