Israel Adesanya and Anthony Joshua: UFC star explains boxing offer in Saudi Arabia

New Zealand professional mixed martial artist of Nigerian descent Israel Mobolaji Adesanya is back on the social media trends.

The former two-time UFC Middleweight Champion has revisited his time with British professional boxer of Nigerian descent Anthony Oluwafemi Joshua OBE.

Joshua a two-time former unified world heavyweight champion is set to take on Cameroonian and French professional mixed martial artist Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia.

Adesanya has now revisited meeting Joshua at his last fight against Otto Wallin.

Adesanya's gesture toward Joshua's team during the Otto Wallin weigh-in was not your typical celebrity meet-and-greet.

It was an endorsement of the sportsmanship these professional athletes exhibit.

In its simplicity, a friendly conversation that demonstrates how winners can appreciate one another's skills and achievements.

In a video on his YouTube page, Adesanya revealed that he turned down a boxing contract because he thought the money was insufficient.

During a conversation with Joshua, Adesanya said, “Bro! You know who hit me up? **** ‘My brother did you ever think about going in the boxing ring?’ I was like I already did!

“While Adesanya admits his interest in boxing could be reignited for the right financial offer, he believes the current proposal falls short.

"The money is too much for them to get me back. I feel like I have done that, and now that the UFC is taking care of me pretty well.

“But, I know what you mean, there’s a number, but I don’t know these guys are willing to pay it.”

Adesanya is expected to be in attendance again when Joshua takes on Ngannou on Friday, March 8, 2024.