D. White at a UFC press conference. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube UFC
The middleweight champion (up to 83,9kg.), Israel adesanya, does not hide from anyone that he intends to face the best athletes available to Ultimate. With this thought, it didn't take long for the Nigerian to try to promote a confrontation against Jon Jones, owner of the light heavyweight title. Dana White, president of the company, welcomes the superfight, but is cautious about Israel's rush. For the 'boss', Israel needs to carry out more fights before winning the right to exchange forces against 'Bones'. In an interview with Jim Rome, the 'manager' spoke about the possibility.
See too
“(Israel) Adesanya will fight now (UFC 248, on March 7), so this fight doesn’t make sense now,” said Dana.
Although Israel has managed his career perfectly so far – as the Nigerian has never been defeated in 18 appearances as a professional in MMA –, White believes that Adesanya needs to pass two tests before promoting himself as a challenger to the reign of Jon Jones.
“If he (Israel) passes Romero and then Paulo Costa (Borrachinha), then he will have Jon Jones right there, which would be a very interesting and fun fight. It probably shouldn't happen, but I would probably let it, if they wanted to”, concluded the 'boss'.
Just as Adesanya has a commitment scheduled, 'Bones' also has a confirmed fight. The North American defends his belt again this Saturday (8), at UFC 247, when he will exchange forces against the undefeated Dominick Cruz.
Jon has already expressed his interest in holding the fight against the Nigerian, however, he stated that he won't wait for too long, as he has plans to test himself in the heavyweight division (up to 120,2kg) soon.
Comments
2 responses to “Dana says Adesanya can face Jones only after facing Borrachinha”
Leave a comment
You need to login to post a comment.
Bones has a fight against Reyes and not Cruz.
Huge feat to beat Romero and Paulo Borrachinha. If he succeeds, he'll be huge enough to fight Jones. However, Jones has a lot of work ahead of him too, whether in his category or in the heavyweight division. Reyes comes to the wave.