Israel Adesanya, the charismatic two-time former UFC middleweight champion, has made headlines by placing a $25,000 bet on his fellow New Zealander, Joseph Parker, to emerge victorious in his upcoming heavyweight clash against interim WBO heavyweight champ Zhilei Zhang on the undercard of Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou, taking place this Friday, 8th March in RIyadh, Saudi Arabia
The stakes are high, the odds intriguing, and the loyalty of Adesanya’s fans is being put to the test.
Adesanya, known as “The Last Stylebender,” showcased his wager on his Instagram handle, backing Parker to triumph over the Chinese powerhouse, Zhang. The 35-year-old Kiwi displayed his confidence in Parker’s abilities, but the fight fans have raised a query- why did Adesanya choose Parker over Zhang, especially given his history with China?
Israel Adesanya’s China Connection
Adesanya’s journey to stardom includes a notable stint in Chinese kickboxing circuits, where he was dubbed “The Black Dragon.” His time in China not only shaped his fighting style but also fostered an appreciation for Chinese culture. In interviews, Adesanya has spoken about the impact of his experiences in the East Asian nation on his development as a fighter. His connection to China runs deep, making his bet on Parker a surprising twist.
Fans React to Adesanya betting on Parker
Given Adesanya’s affinity for China, fans had a field day with his wager. Some questioned his loyalty, while others playfully chided him for not supporting Zhang. Below here are a few fan reactions:
One fan wrote, “Gotta support the Chinese bro.”
“Went against you’re Chinese brother” commented another.
Another fan stated, “Your long-lost brother Zhilei Zhang is going to butcher him up. Should’ve rode with the home team.”
“You’re losing all of that money bro”, wrote a fan.
“Izzy, what happened to fighting for China?” asked another fan.
Another user added, “Against your Chinese brother?”
As Parker and Zhang prepare to clash in Riyadh, Adesanya’s bet adds an extra layer of intrigue. Will Parker prove him right, or will Zhang silence the doubters? The squared circle awaits, and fight fans eagerly anticipate a Kiwi showdown like no other.
ALSO READ: Will a Win Over Francis Ngannou Earn Anthony Joshua His Next Heavyweight Title Shot?
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