Despite Israel Adesanya and Jon Jones apparently putting their feud to rest, Chael Sonnen believes that an ongoing rivalry between the two UFC champions still exists, and Adesanya seems to be gaining the upper hand. Over the past few years, Jon Jones spent a significant amount of time on the sidelines, attempting to secure a fight with then UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou while carefully preparing his body for the heavyweight division.
In contrast, Adesanya has actively campaigned to make his biggest fights a reality during his tenure in the UFC, displaying a willingness to take on formidable opponents. Sonnen highlights that this aggressive approach to seeking challenging fights is something Jones cannot claim to have done with the same fervor.
Sonnen’s bold prediction Adesanya to outshine Jon Jones
Among the current UFC titleholders, Israel Adesanya and Jon Jones stand as two of the most decorated fighters in the sport. Israel boasts an impressive record as a two-time middleweight champion, successfully defending his title five times throughout his two reigns. Meanwhile, Jones holds a storied legacy as the most accomplished light heavyweight in UFC history.
Chael said, “Izzy’s beating him. What Izzy did [at UFC 290] and the attention that Izzy can command, and the hype that Izzy can command, the checks that he gets, the money and the dollars that he brings — he’s coming after [Conor] McGregor’s spot, I’m telling you now, and he’s long put Jon Jones in the dust.
Jon Jones has never played that game — it’s going to be a mistake. Ten years from now, when you’re looking back and trying to tell the story, you’re not going to be saying Jon Jones. You’re going to be saying Adesanya.”
Throughout his career, Jon has occasionally engaged in the promotional aspects of MMA, particularly during his intense and long-lasting rivalry with Daniel Cormier.
However, he hasn’t embraced it in the same manner as Adesanya. On the other hand, “The Last Stylebender” has wholeheartedly embraced the theatrical side of the fight game, from his dramatic walkouts to his post-fight antics, fully immersing himself in the captivating and showmanship aspects of the sport.
Israel Adesanya knocks out Alex Pereira in UFC 287
Following a November loss that cost him his 185-pound championship belt, Israel Adesanya was determined to secure a quick rematch against Alex Pereira, the one who took the title from him.
“I don’t throw and hope, I aim and fire!” – Me 🏹 pic.twitter.com/jYCReHrrMk
— Israel Adesanya (@stylebender) April 9, 2023
In a highly anticipated showdown at UFC 287 in Miami, early Sunday, Adesanya showcased his incredible skills by dropping the middleweight champion, Pereira, with two powerful right hands. As he raised his fists in triumph, Israel Adesanya reclaimed the middleweight championship belt and solidified his position as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
“I hope every one of you behind the screen or in this arena can feel this level of happiness just one time in your life,” Israel Adesanya said. “But guess what, you’ll never feel this level of happiness if you don’t go for something.”
Hailing from Nigeria but raised in New Zealand, Adesanya made his UFC debut in 2018. Within a year, he achieved a remarkable victory by knocking out then-champion Robert Whittaker, earning him the middleweight belt and announcing his arrival as a dominant force in the MMA world.
