READ MORE:* MMA to get bigger: Hooker* Taurua praises Adesanya* Israel Adesanya preaches positivityYet in May 2018, UFC was involved in a five-year media rights deal with ESPN worth $US1.5 billion. Steven Adams is a well-known and well-respected performer in the NBA, which has a massive global following. The only one close to having as big a following was Black Caps captain Kane Williamson, whose 2019 following peaked during New Zealand's World Cup exploits. While basketball is often referred to as the second-most popular sport worldwide behind football, Adams doesn't quite generate the same global reach as Adesanya. PHOTOSPORT Jonah Lomu in action for the All Blacks against England in the 1995 Rugby World Cup semifinal.

Source: Stuff February 19, 2020 01:52 UTC