Despite Israel Adesanya’s Mockery of Jon Jones’ “Scandal” Over Nike Deal, “Bones” Confesses: “I Can’t Deny Israel Adesanya… He’s a Statement Maker”

The return of Jon Jones to the octagon is just a few days away as he fights Ciryl Gane for the heavyweight title at UFC 285. ‘Bones’ has been busy as of late as he appeared in a sneaker-shopping video posted by ‘Complex’ on their YouTube channel. He recently named a couple of fighters who should get a sneaker deal.

Jon Jones (MMA record of 26 wins,1 loss, and 1 no-contest) will return to UFC after almost 3 years after having his last fight. Known as one of the greatest in the world, ‘Bones’ return to the octagon has had fans eager to watch him fight against a credible contender like ‘Bon Gamin’ Ciryl Gane.

However, Jon Jones recently dropped by the Complex shoe store to buy some sneakers with Joe La Puma. While shopping, Jones was asked if he had any fighter in mind who could land a sneaker deal. The former UFC champion had a couple of fighters in mind, and it isn’t shocking to see him take their names.

Jon Jones names two fighters who should land a sneaker deal

‘Bones’ was the first mixed martial artist who received a sponsorship deal from Nike on an international level. But that didn’t last too long as the deal was terminated after brawling with Daniel Cormier.

Moreover, he was recently asked about a few UFC fighters who could do the same. Jones said, “If I had to recommend, you know, I don’t like this fighter very much, but I can’t deny Israel Adesanya.” Jon Jones talked about ‘The Last Stylebender’ being a statement maker in terms of fashion.

He added, “Izzy, he’s a statement maker. He’s not afraid to step outside the box when it comes to his fashion and things like that. I can see him being a great sponsored athlete.” Jones then mentioned that his current deal with Puma is a well-deserved one.

The second athlete he named for a shoe deal was none other than Conor McGregor. Jones said, “There’s Conor McGregor. You know he makes us all look good, suited up.” ‘Bones’ added, “I could see him being Tom Ford type of guy, just something really exclusive, a Louis (Vuitton) kinda a guy.”

Izzy once mocked Jones after his Nike Deal was called off

Israel Adesanya and Jon Jones were involved in a heated exchange of words on Twitter in 2020. Both fighters went so far into their hatred for each other that they even insulted each other’s parents at one point. Moreover, Adesanya took a jibe at Jon Jones for losing his Nike deal after the latter landed in legal trouble following his brawl with Daniel Cormier.

Israel Adesanya had earlier claimed to be a fan of Jon Jones. But with regard to their beef, Izzy doesn’t mind being the bad guy in the story. However, both fighters never came to blows with each other.

READ MORE: Days After Dana White’s Announcement, Prominent MMA Manager Reveals Mystery Backup for Jon Jones vs. Ciryl Gane

Sponsorship deals help athletes improve their image and reputation among fellow athletes and fans. The improved image, in return, helps generate and increase sales due to the added exposure of the product through these athletes.

What are your thoughts? Which UFC fighter do you think deserves a sneaker deal? Let us know in the comments below.

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