Israel Adesanya is stoked to have his massive “mug” plastered all over a building smack bang in the middle of Auckland city.
Street artist Owen Dippie just wrapped up his epic mural of the UFC fighter on Victoria Street yesterday.
After weeks' worth of spray painting a very detailed portrait including all of Izzy’s tattoos, this thing is next-level.
Having seen the giant painting for himself, Izzy told 1News he's appreciative of the work done by “the greatest to ever do it”.
"[Dippie] had to chip away the paint for days, then paint the walls with like four coats of white and then look at this mug for how many weeks. It's a lot of work but it's much appreciated,” he said.
"To be immortalised on the wall by one of the greatest to do it, and right by the Sky Tower, it's fitting, it's poetic, it's awesome."
Adesanya mentioned he's been a fan of Dippie's art for ages, first clocking a piece near his old City Kickboxing gym.
"I saw his work of this beautiful Māori lady with a tāmoko. I never knew who he was at the time and I've seen his work all across Auckland and he does a lot of work worldwide,” he said.
Fans have been reacting to the mural since Dippie began the project in late April, with one fan writing: “So dope, details are crazy 🔥”
“This is out of the world 🔥🔥,” said another.
Even Aussie MMA fighter Alexander Volkanovski couldn’t resist giving Dippie props, writing: “That’s is unreal! 👏”
Mad respect to Dippie for his unreal talent, he's truly a legend!
