Israel Adesanya describes "starstruck" experience of running into comedian Dave Chappelle

It seems that former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya is a big fan of the legendary standup comedian Dave Chappelle. And evidently 'The Last Stylebender' could barely contain his excitement when he finally met the comedic mastermind.

In a recent tweet, the Nigerian-born Kiwi stated that he was absolutely "starstruck" at having met Chappelle:

"Just met Dave Chappelle and now we cool…I’m starstruck!!! Yes, I am!!!"

Dave Chappelle is one of the most popular comedic icons in the United States, if not the world. The 49-year-old has featured in over a dozen TV specials and holds numerous Netflix specials to his name.

Based on his biography on IMBD, the American is a four-time recipient of both the Grammy and the Primetime Emmy Awards. He also won the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 2019.

Israel Adesanya is currently gearing up for his highly anticipated rematch against arch-rival Alex Pereira at UFC 287 on April 8. Last November at UFC 281 Adesanya suffered a fifth-round TKO loss to 'Poatan', losing his title to the Brazilian.

The Nigerian holds notable wins against UFC elites like Robert Whittaker, Paulo Costa, and Jared Cannonier, among others. The 33-year-old holds a pro record of 23-2.

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Israel Adesanya opens as the betting favorite over Alex Pereira for the rematch

Despite coming up short against Alex Pereira thrice in his career, Israel Adesanya opens as the betting favorite over the Brazilian for their UFC 287 rematch. Based on the odds provided by Betting Insider Journal, 'The Last Stylebender' is the -225 betting favorite for the match-up against 'Poatan' (+180 underdog).

With the current odds, a $1000 wager on the middleweight champion will provide a net return of $2800, if he wins the fight. Meanwhile, the same bet on Adesanya will provide a modest payout of $1444, if the Nigerian gets his hands raised.

Interestingly, Pereira is the only man to have knocked out Adesanya in his combat sports career. Thus far, the Nigerian has three losses against 'Poatan' in combat sports, two in kickboxing, and one in mixed martial arts.

UFC 287 also features BMF champion Jorge Masvidal in a fight against former welterweight title challenger Gilbert Burns in the co-main event.