“I Have to Do It Like Anderson Silva”: Israel Adesanya Will Fight Jon Jones on His Terms

Ever since Israel Adesanya called out Jon Jones for a fight, the two have been exchanging verbal blows all over media, and even on their own social media platforms. The two seem just as excited about their match-up as their fans.

Dana White on Israel Adesanya vs Jon Jones

Here’s what Dana White, the President of the Ultimate Fighting Championship had to say about the possibility of this match-up: “If he (Adesanya) gets through Romero, then gets through Costa, then he’s got Jon Jones…which is a very interesting fun fight which probably shouldn’t happen, but I’ll let it happen if they want to.”

In response to the conditions set by Dana White, Adesanya said, “I don’t have to get through these guys, I can have my next fight Jones, but this division (Middleweight) has held me up so long. The former champion was pulling out of fights, or was sick, and was holding up the division. I have to do it right, like the greats, like Anderson Silva, who defended his title like 12 times. I want to do right by my division and defend my belt.” According to Israel, defeating Jones will be much better if it comes as part of a streak of wins.

Israel is set to defend his UFC Middleweight Championship against Yoel Romero at UFC 248 on Saturday, 7 March 2020. Commenting on the upcoming event, Adesanya said, “I feel he (Romero) is one of the toughest guys in the middleweights, and I have to put him on my mantelpiece. He is on a three-fight losing streak, but all those fights were close. He’s someone no one calls out, which is why I had to”. On being asked what his biggest challenge would be on facing Romero, he replied, “my biggest challenge will be expressing myself”.

Similarly, Bones Jones, the current undisputed two-time UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, is set to meet Dominick Reyes at UFC 247.

Both Jones and Adesanya currently hold two of the impressive records at the UFC. While Jones has 25 wins, 1 loss, 0 draws and 1 No contest, Israel holds 18 wins, 0 losses. The difference in their weight categories seems to be of no regard to the fighters, and as long as the boss seems okay with it, we sure are in for a memorable fight, whenever it comes.