MMA fans were in disbelief when snaps of a rare meeting between two UFC champions, Israel Adesanya and Alexander Volkanovski, popped up in their feed.

However, it was not surprising to see them together as both fighters go back a long way. Besides their status as UFC champions, there is another thread connecting them. Both fighters break a sweat and polish their MMA skills under the same roof of Auckland-based City Kickboxing. Sharing closer proximity between their homes and cultures, both have a lot in common to talk about.

After learning under the same tutelage, and spending countless hours together, both have grown fond of each other. The same was on display when ‘The Great’ and ‘The Last Stylebender’ met each other recently.

Israel Adesanya chanced on a ‘great’ friend

The middleweight champion, who recently reclaimed the title after conquering his rival Alex Pereira at UFV 287, shared snippets of both engrossed in a conversation on his social media handles. Further, he heaped praises on the featherweight champion and called him the “greatest fighter on the planet”. The New Zealander also asked the fans to enjoy the ride while both close friends reigned at the top.

Adesanya penned, “👑⚔️👑 Thee Great @AlexVolkanovski‼️ Being friends with the greatest fighter on the planet has its perks, you learn how to be great yourself.”

“What a time to be alive…you are witnessing two of the best ever! Enjoy the ride while it’s happening. 🎢🌊,” he added later.

Both training partners have also expressed their support for each other publicly whenever the other had an upcoming crucial fight. Most recently, Adesanya was spotted in the stands, cheering for Volkanovski when the latter challenged Islam Makhachev for the lightweight crown at UFC 284.

How did the fans react to the encounter between Adesanya and Volkanovski?

The images instantly made rounds on the internet and the fans found it hard to believe their eyes and were left in veneration.

Markedly, Volkanovski has turned his attention back to the 145 lbs division after detouring to the lightweight hierarchy. He has a new challenger in sight, Yair Rodriguez. The Mexican fighter bagged the interim title under the same card when Volkanovski faced Makhachev.

Read More: Before His Explosive Rise, UFC Champ Israel Adesanya Reveals the Real Reason Chinese Promotion Signed Him: “I Wasn’t Brought There to Be Long”

What do you make of this encounter between two UFC champions, Israel Adesanya and Alexander Volkanovski? Let us know in the comments below.

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