A. Silva advises Adesanya. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook ufcbrasil
The climate warmed up once again between Jon Jones, light heavyweight champion (up to 93 kg.), and Israel adesanya, owner of the interim middleweight belt (up to 84 kg.). The Nigerian even called his rival 'lax' in an interview with the 'MMA Hour' program.
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The situation got so heated that Anderson Silva, a personal friend of Jones, and an idol of Israel, had to intervene. According to Spider, Adesanya was disrespectful to Jones. He also advised his rival on how he should behave.
“They are different categories. It's very difficult for you to talk about some things because Adesanya is coming, right? Even though he has this winning streak, it's coming. And you end up arriving in a space where you have to understand how it works. In my view as an athlete, he disrespected the Jon Jones. For the business, for Dana (White, UFC president), it's great. It will be a big deal for him. Regardless of whether they fight or not, the UFC and the fans are the ones benefiting from this. But there is a lack of respect. I think he overstepped his limits a little, but over time he learns to deal with these things. You have to respect what the Jon Jones he did. They are two great fighters, and in the future, who knows, the two might even fight. But I'm from a time when you had honor and respected each person's space”, said Anderson, in a conversation with the press in Rio de Janeiro.
Despite the criticism, Anderson made a point of praising Adesanya, who he believes has a bright future in the UFC.
“He has a long way to go. He is a young, talented athlete who still has a lot to learn, but has a bright future in this sport. I'm going to hope he can get where he wants to be. He is a great athlete, a good boy and has all the weapons to get there,” he concluded.
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