Alexander Volkanovski pays heartfelt tribute to Israel Adesanya for helping him become more self-confident: “I wouldn’t be the champion I was"

Alexander Volkanovski is in Perth, Australia, to support longtime friend and teammate Israel Adesanya as he prepares to face Dricus du Plessis. The pair will headline UFC 305 for the middleweight title in a much-anticipated event.

Both Volkanovski and Adesanya are two standout UFC champions of the past six years, with incredibly active streaks that included numerous memorable performances.

'The Last Stylebender' suffered an uncharacteristic defeat in his previous outing, a decision defeat to Sean Strickland at UFC 293. He announced following the bout that he would be taking a hiatus from fighting and looks re-energized ahead as he prepares to return.

With his clash against Du Plessis only several days away, 'The Great' shared a touching tribute to the former champion during an interview with mainevent:

"I wouldn't have been the active champion I was if it wasn't for [Adesanya]. A lot of it came with me being comfortable with who I am, and confident. I don't think I would have had that confidence, or me being comfortable with me as a fighter or even me as a person. I feel like it was something I always struggled with until I got to hang out more with Israel Adesanya... I wouldn't be the champion I was if it wasn't for someone like Izzy."

Watch Alexander Volkanovski's tribute below (3:25):

---

Alexander Volkanovski predicts Israel Adesanya to give a career-best performance at UFC 305

Israel Adesanya and Dricus du Plessis will have the chance to settle their bad blood at UFC 305 in what should provide fans with a thrilling main event.

Ahead of the bout, teammate Alexander Volkanovski has shared his prediction for the middleweight title fight. He believes that Adesanya's return will see him produce a career-best performance against the South African.

'The Great' expects the former middleweight champion to replicate his utter domination of Paulo Costa at UFC 253, a fight that many expected to be Adesanya's most difficult.

The Australian was interviewed by talkSPORT MMA last month when he said this:

"I think he's gonna look incredible. Dricus is a tough guy, great fighter. But I think this Israel that's gonna turn up is gonna be one of those, you know when he comes back and you see a Paul Costa performace, or even the first Robert Whittaker performance. I'm expecting him to come out and have one of those moments."

Catch Alexander Volkanovski's comments below (6:15):