Does Israel Adesanya Still Want To Fight Jon Jones?

UFC Middleweight Champion Israel Adesanya sounds off on whether or not he’s still interested in fighting Jon Jones.

Adesanya and Jones had been developing a feud with their back-and-forth barbs. It all began when “The Last Stylebender” said he was “hunting another GOAT” in Jones after defeating Anderson Silva. Jones dared Adesanya to go after the “king of the jungle.” Since that time, the two have been hurling verbal shots.

During a virtual media session, Adesanya addressed whether or not he still has his sights set on fighting “Bones” one day (h/t MMAJunkie.com).

“I still have that in mind, it’s still part of my plan. But let me ask you this, how many years has Jon Jones been in the UFC? And he only just moved up in weight, right? So why would he or anyone else expect me to move up in weight when I just got the belt rather than defend my belt like he has and create a legacy before jumping up in weight? So I’m sticking to my plan. I’m never going to let anyone make me fold or make me make a move ahead of schedule. I’m sticking to my plan.”

At this point, Jones vs. Adesanya sounds like a pipe dream. That’s because Jones has relinquished the UFC Light-Heavyweight championship in favor of moving up in weight. Meanwhile, Adesanya is looking to be a fighting champion at 185 pounds before he decides to reach new heights.

Adesanya’s attention is currently on the undefeated Brazilian bruiser Paulo Costa. The two have their own bad blood and will settle it on September 26. Adesanya’s UFC Middleweight Title will be on the line in the main event of UFC 253.

On that same card, Dominick Reyes and Jan Blachowicz will be competing for the title that Jones vacated. There is nothing official on the first heavyweight fight for Jones.