Israel Adesanya’s much-publicized rivalry with Jon Jones appeared to have settled down somewhat in recent months. However, in a recent interview on The MMA Hour, “The Last Stylebender” reported that “the story’s not told yet”.
Adesanya was typically forthright in his assessment of Jon Jones, their rivalry, and Jones’ chance of competing at heavyweight. “I don’t think we’re ever going to see Jon Jones fight at heavyweight.
Israel Adesanya on “fat” Jon Jones: “You either get it done or you don’t”
F*ck, he’s been saying this since 2013. You either get it done or you don’t.” Of course, Israel Adesanya “got it done” on his own, moving up to light heavyweight to fight Jan Blachowicz in March this year.
“For me, I jumped up within three years of [being with] the company. I jumped into the division ahead of me. The guys up there respect me. Even the champion up there gave me my props. So yeah, I just think it’s not something that anyone can do. And he’s getting fat for no reason now.”
Of course, moving from middleweight (185lbs) to light heavyweight (205lb) is an entirely different proposition to gaining sixty pounds to fight at heavyweight. Most fighters these days walk around anywhere from ten to twenty pound heavier than their fight weight.
Adesanya may not have moved up a division so much as he simply didn’t cut weight for the fight. This is not to criticize Adeseanys: fighting a larger, heavier opponent is impressive in and of itself. However, it’s important to note that the comparison is not as easy as it seems.
Israel Adesanya, for his part, remains committed to eventually fighting Jon Jones, regardless of weight division. “I see it. I see it 100 percent,.
But that’s the thing. You’ve got to know when to hold them, you’ve got to know when to fold them, and the song is not over yet.
So stay tuned. We’ll fight one day. I don’t know where or how it’s going to happen. I just have an idea of what’s going to happen.
But yeah, see if he moves up in weight first. See if he moves up in weight first and deals with these guys there. I think he can, but does he think he can?”
But first, “The Last Stylebender” is set to fight Robert Whittaker in the near future. COVID-19 complications notwithstanding, many expect Adesanya to defend his belt against the Australian former champion soon.
Do you want to see Adesanya vs Jones? Should Jon Jones take one more fight at light heavyweight – against Adesanya – before he moves up to 265lbs? Let us know in the comments.
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