Anderson Silva's Legacy: Israel Adesanya Admits Ego Keeps Him Fighting

Anderson Silva's legacy continues to influence the UFC middleweight division, with Israel Adesanya citing his ego as the reason he won't retire.

Adesanya, 36, has dropped four straight fights, including a technical knockout loss to Joe Pyfer in Seattle.

Adesanya was seen as the successor to Silva's 185-pound legend status, despite accusations of being overrated.

Adesanya's future in the UFC is uncertain, with his current record standing at 24-6, and he is currently unbooked.

Adesanya told Demetrious Johnson on YouTube that his ego is tied to his ability to still compete, saying "I know what I can do still."

He went 9-0 under the UFC banner before moving up to light heavyweight, where he fell to Jan Blachowicz in his bid to become double-champ.

Adesanya later returned to middleweight and rattled off three more title defenses before his wars against longtime rival Alex Pereira.

His most recent loss was on a date not specified, but it marked his fourth straight defeat, with four of his last six fights ending in a finish.

Adesanya's equity may be down, but he believes he is still up over most people who have come into the game.

He does not want to rest on his past accomplishments, and his ego is driving him to continue fighting.

The former kickboxer is determined to prove he can still compete at a high level, despite his recent losses.

Adesanya's story is not yet concluded, and he is looking to bounce back from his recent setbacks.

His ability to still compete is what drives him, and he is not ready to hang up his gloves just yet.

The UFC middleweight division is still waiting to see what's next for Adesanya, and whether he can regain his former glory.