Israel Adesanya’s recent form has raised serious questions about his standing in MMA. The former champion is now on a four-fight losing streak.
His latest defeat to Joe Pyfer has only added to the concern. Performances that once defined his dominance have not been present in recent outings.
Amid that difficult spell, attention has come from an unexpected direction. A figure from outside the sport has now publicly called him out.
Chad Ochocinco calls out Israel Adesanya during UFC Weigh-In Show
Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images
Chad Johnson, widely known as Chad Ochocinco, made the challenge during the UFC 327 Weigh-In Show on Friday. The former NFL wide receiver embraced the moment.
Ochocinco enjoyed a standout American football career, particularly with the Cincinnati Bengals. He became known for his personality as much as his production on the field.
During the broadcast, Daniel Cormier joked about the former NFL star fighting ‘The Last Stylebender’ and the 48-year-old answered while holding a UFC belt, and drew laughter from the panel.
“Adesanya, I don’t want any excuses. Come get this belt. Come get this belt. Me and you. Five minutes, three rounds. Anywhere,” he said.
He later said: “I’m going to submerge myself in the fight game as much as I can. And as opposed to just being an analyst, I want to be one of the first people to be an analyst, to be a pundit, but also fight as well.”
Ochocinco also made clear he sees Adesanya as a realistic target. “I would really like to match up with Adesanya. I’m serious. I’m good enough to survive and be able to strike ground game.”
More than a realistic challenge, Chad’s confidence simply reflects how unconvincing Adesanya has ultimately been.
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