Adesanya spices up rivalry with Jon Jones, but surprises with statement: 'I was a fan'

Foto: Reprodução / Instagram

Since becoming linear middleweight champion (up to 83,9kg), in October last year, Israel adesanya e Jon Jones they have provoked each other and given indications that a possible fight between them will be inevitable. Although he exudes confidence, the Nigerian, however, surprised with a statement on 'Twitter', admitting to having admired 'Bones' in the past.

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“I've been following you since UFC 94 (2009). Side takedowns, spinning elbows. I watched you get fucked up over and over again, making the same mistakes. I continued defending you. I was a fan. I guess, being a fan, I learned how to defeat you. What a great irony. A real drawing,” wrote Adesanya.

The fight mentioned by Israel marked 'Bones' second appearance with UFC gloves. On that occasion, the North American, who would become the most dominant athlete in the history of light heavyweight (up to 93kg), defeated Stephan bonnar in the unanimous decision of the judges. Just over two years later, Jones would win the division belt by beating Mauritius Shogun, becoming the youngest champion to hold a linear title in the company.

More than 10 years have passed and Jon remains one of the most relevant names in the organization. Today, the athlete no longer has a belt. In August of this year, the North American gave up his position as leader to test himself among the heavyweights (up to 120,2kg). Although he is focused on the next objective, Jones does not want to miss the chance to trade forces against Adesanya, who is being considered a new phenomenon in the organization.

While Jon hasn't played since February, when he made another defense of his old title, in the controversial victory over Dominick reyes, Israel remains on the 'crest of the wave' of the UFC. Last weekend, at UFC 253, the Nigerian ran over Paulo borrachinha in the second defense of his belt. In the fight, the champion was unaware of the biggest challenge of his career so far and knocked out the Brazilian in the second round.

I've watched you since UFC94
Double overhook lateral throws to spinning elbows.
I've seen you fuck up time and time again but making the same mistakes.
I kept defending you. I was a fan.
I guess being a fan, I was learning how to end you.
What a twist of fate.
Real life Anime 🍃

— Israel adesanya (@stylebender) October 2, 2020