Former UFC champion, Israel Adesanya, saluted Mohamed Salah after he used his celebration in a recent Premier League win, as the latter explained why he copied the Nigerian fighter's style of celebration.
Salah netted as the Reds ran riot at Old Trafford in their latest Premier League fixture against Man United this weekend, also laying on two assists during a 3-0 win.
After slotting a cool finish into the bottom corner to cap off the victory, Salah used an archer's gesture as he celebrated in front of the away fans.
In his post-match interview, the Egyptian talisman revealed he was inspired by the former UFC champion's celebration.
He told media: “I think I was watching the UFC – Alex Pereira against Israel Adesanya.
“When he [Adesanya] won the second fight against Pereira, he celebrated like that because Pereira beat him in the first one.
“I like the celebration, that’s why I do it. I am a UFC fan.
“And also back home, people take it as, our Egyptian pharaohs used to do it when they drew something in a temple or the pyramids or somewhere. It’s similar.”
We should see that celebration plenty more times this season, having scored three already in three games.
He has also grabbed three assists as the 32-year-old shows no signs of slowing down.
'The Last Stylebender' has since posted his response on social media, replying:
"Each one teach one."
It was a very cryptic response from Adesanya, who has become a superstar in the sporting world since his rise in the cage.
Adesanya adopted the celebration after his famous KO revenge win over Alex Pereira at UFC 287 in April 2023.
He made the gesture as if firing arrows at his rival, who was left motionless on the octagon floor after being knocked out cold by the shots in the second round.
It has since been a feature of Salah's game, with the 32-year-old having already bagged three goals in three appearances since the season began.
Meanwhile for the former UFC champion, he is on a different trajectory of form having been beaten by Dricus Du Plessis in his most recent fight at UFC 305 last month.
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