“You don’t wanna blink,” Israel Adesanya predicts a finish at Knockout Chaos between Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou

Israel Adesanya remains neutral for the Francis Ngannou vs Anthony Joshua fight, emphasizing the match's unpredictability and advising fans not to blink.

“You don’t wanna blink,” Israel Adesanya predicts a finish at Knockout Chaos between Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou

Israel Adesanya previews Anthony Joshua versus Francis Ngannou (Image via: IMAGO)

The upcoming boxing match between Francis Ngannou and Anthony Joshua already has fans on their toes. It certainly had Israel Adesanya on his toes, particularly as he is close with both fighters. Adesanya considers Ngannou as his brother. As such, he wholeheartedly supported Ngannou in his fight against Fury. Adesanya and Kamaru Usman walked out with Ngannou for the fight, one of the best walkouts ever.

Nonetheless, Adesanya did not pick one over the other for Knockout Chaos. This is mainly due to the close relationship he has with both fighters. After he supported Ngannou at the Battle of the Baddest, Adesanya went on to cheer for Anthony Joshua at the Day of Reckoning, where he defeated Otto Wallin. Despite his hesitance to pick the winner, Adesanya did not expect the fight to go the full distance. This is what he had to say about the fight.

It's not my place to pick a winner. I'm not God; I'm not either of these men. They're going to pick the winner themselves, but I have a weird feeling that you don't wanna blink in this fight. I have a weird feeling you don't wanna blink in this fight.
Israel Adesanya via YouTube
YouTube video

Adesanya stated that Joshua would likely put more volume into the fight, similar to his previous fight. On the other hand, he praised Ngannou’s heart as he stated that Fury’s illegal elbow did not even faze the Cameroonian. Even though he bet on the co-maint of the PPV, he strayed away from it on the main event.

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Adesanya’s upcoming fight will most likely be against Dricus Du Plessis. The UFC had plans to make it the headliner for UFC 300. However, Du Plessis withdrew due to injury. There is also a chance that he will headline the UFC’s debut Fight Night in Riyadh.

Israel Adesanya on connection with Anthony Joshua

Israel Adesanya was born in Nigeria and later moved to New Zealand. Anthony Joshua was born in the UK, but his parents are Nigerian. Incidentally, both are Yoruba people. Adesanya was from a wealthy family in Nigeria, whereas Joshua’s lineage is from an aristocratic rank.

Israel Adesanya appreciated Anthony Joshua
Israel Adesanya appreciated Anthony Joshua (via TNT Sports)

Adesanya spoke of the connection in his recent YouTube video that previewed Knockout Chaos. David, Adesanya’s younger brother, did not know of the connection, which surprised him. Anthony Joshua has hung out with Adesanya, and the Kiwi considers the Brit a cool person to hang out with.

Joshua’s upcoming fight with Francis Ngannou certainly has left Adesanya with conflicting emotions. Nonetheless, he will surely watch the fight and may attend the event in Riyadh. Adesanya was in attendance at the Battle of the Baddest and also at the Reign of Fire.

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