Chad Johnson is about to step into the Octagon alongside former two-time UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya.
“Ochocinco” has been concerned in lots of tasks since retiring from the NFL. In 2021, he additionally participated in an exhibition boxing match with Brian Maxwell. Quick ahead to 2026, and Johnson hopes to discover a option to combat the longer term Corridor of Famer underneath the UFC banner.
“Ochocinco” attended Friday’s UFC 327 weigh-in present and requested Daniel Cormier to counsel an opponent. Cormier jokingly talked about Adesanya’s title, but it surely appears to be like like Johnson really desires to smoke a cigarette (h/t MMAFighting).
“I find it irresistible! … Izzy, Adesanya, no excuses,” Johnson mentioned. “Come get this belt. Come get this belt. Me and also you, 3 rounds of 5 minutes. Anyplace. Truly, I am coming to New Zealand. I haven’t got a passport. Don’t be concerned about it. Come to Miami.”
On the very least, Johnson is assured he can maintain up in opposition to Adesanya on the toes. The previous All-Professional receiver believes that if one thing had been to occur to Matt, he could possibly be drowning there.
“That mentioned, I actually need to combat Adesanya,” Johnson mentioned. “I am critical. To get the perfect out of myself and do what I can, even when it is not my sport. However I am adequate to outlive and throw strikes. Floor sport, uh, erratic.”
UFC executives have entertained sideshow fights with names like James Toney and CM Punk, however promotion CEO Dana White insists these days are over. If the 48-year-old Johnson expects to compete in MMA, he could also be pressured to step contained in the cage for additional promotion.
Do you suppose Chad Johnson will find yourself having an MMA match? What do you suppose he’ll do in gentle of the 2021 exhibition boxing match? Hold forth within the feedback beneath.
