Israel “The Last Stylebender” Adesanya has not been holding back at all when it comes to talking about Jon Jones. In a recent interview with Ariel Helwani, Adesanya delves into the title fight that took place at UFC 247 in Houston, Texas. Adesanya passes his verdict on the fight saying he could have given the fight to Reyes(12-1-0). But Jones(26-1-0) could have stolen it as well(which he did). He elaborates saying it could have gone both ways.
Izzy also says that he watched Jones’ fight against Thiago Santos and feels he saw what he needed to see and thought “he’s not it”.
“But it was, either way, trust me. Like Reyes definitely put it on him and Jones came in on the later rounds and put it on. But hey no one puts it on in the later rounds like I can. I can do it all night long man.”- Israel Adesanya on Jones v Reyes.
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Watch The Interview: Israel Adesanya not concerned with ‘little scrape’ on arm before UFC 248 | Ariel Helwani’s MMA Show
“He Needs Me”- Israel Adesanya on Jon Jones
Israel Adesanya took great pleasure in watching the controversy unfold around the Jones v Reyes fight. The fighter hailing from New Zealand came out with a post on social media saying “LOL” as an attempt to make a dig at Jones’ victory. Adesanya piled in on Jones after his less than impressive fight against Reyes.
Adesanya and Jones have been trading insults for quite some time. As they have been building for a showdown against each other. He claims that he does not need to fight Jones. The Nigerian born fighter feels Jones needs him if he wants to stay relevant.
“Because he’s already done a lot in his legacy which is tainted by other things he’s done outside the ring but, for right now to stay relevant, to stay current, he needs me.”- Israel Adesanya on Jon Jones.
Also Read: Israel Adesanya Trashes Jon Jones Following the Controversial Win Over Dominick Reyes
Jon Jones said that Dominick Reyes earned his respect as he did so well during the fight. He admits it was a close fight. But Jones believes that he turned it around in the fifth round. He adds that the takedowns he performed in the fifth round won him the fight.
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The judges faced some serious flak from fans and the likes of Dana White and Joe Rogan for their faulty decisions. Rogan called the judges out for not even watching an undercard bout between Lauren Murphy and Andrea Lee.
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As of now, Israel Adesanya is set to battle it out with Yoel Romero to defend his title of the UFC Middleweight Champion. The showdown will take place on the 8th of March at the T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas.