'I am what I am' - Israel Adesanya talks about being a role model

Nigerian-born New Zealand professional mixed martial artist, kickboxer, and former boxer Israel Adesanya has explained what it means to be a role model given his accomplishments in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

Adesanya who holds the UFC middleweight title took to his official Instagram account to post a message about what is expected from him.

Along with a picture of him smoking, he said, "Today, I learned something about being a “role model”. I’m not playing a role or modeling a behavior, but I am put on a pedestal by many people. I am what I am, I’m not good, I’m not bad…but I’m capable of great good and can be a real cunt if you cross me 😂. I’ll explain more later…

But yea, today was insightful"

The 32-year-old in an interview with the BBC then explained how he copes with being famous.

He added, "Nobody writes a book on how to be famous and how to deal with it, so you have to write your own.

"I've watched the pitfalls of a lot of famous athletes, actresses, actors, and musicians, and seen how they have dealt with it, so I've avoided being one of those tabloid stories.

"People don't care - they just want to take your peace and your time.

"Everyone needs their peace. I am a social butterfly, I'm extroverted when I want to be, but there's times I need to be with my own thoughts and be at peace with myself."

Adesanya who was born in Nigeria is one of the biggest stars in the UFC and his fame continues to rise as the sport grows.