The world of Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is a bizarre old one. It is filled with rivalries that last a lifetime and perhaps the biggest example of it is the everlasting feud between Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier. However, one Jon Jones rivalry, that is seemingly coming to an end, is the one with Israel Adesanya.
The bad blood between Jon Jones and Israel Adesanya was a long-lasting one. Things became so heated between them that there have been talks of a fight between them many times. Unfortunately, one thing or the other always led the bout to not happen. After Jones left the light heavyweight title to pursue the heavyweight title, Izzy moved to the 205lbs division to capture the title.
Jon Jones and Izzy hanging out together in Vegas pic.twitter.com/ieM3zar9Ta
— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) July 6, 2023
Although he was unsuccessful in doing so, It was an attempt to damage Jones’ legacy. But those days seem to be long gone after Jon Jones became the heavyweight champion of the world at UFC 285. It looks like Izzy has recently opened up an account at Mark Zuckerberg’s Twitter rival, “Threads.” And, the very first post from Adesanya on the app, is with Jon Jones.
In the video, Izzy could be heard saying, “First Alex (Pereira), (now) this motherf**ker Jones.” Right as the heavyweight champ was about to give him a big hug, Adesanya pushed Jones off him as he playfully yelled, “Hey, hey, hey.” But all in all, it seemed like both fighters have buried their hatchet and are on friendly terms now.
After their meeting, it seemed like they even engaged in a friendly grappling contest and Adesanya posted a moment from that in his Instagram story afterward.
What is next for Jon Jones and Israel Adesanya respectively?
As previously mentioned, Jon Jones submitted French fighter Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 to win the heavyweight crown. It was the ultimate goal for him and Jonny Bones achieved it like it was nothing. However, the bigger test in the form of Stipe Miocic awaits him. They were initially rumored to fight in 2023 itself. However, it looks like the negotiations have stalled and there is no clear timeline for the bout as of now.
But, Jones has also stated that the bout against Stipe Miocic will be his last bout in the promotion. However, Jones has also been linked with a bout against WBC boxing heavyweight champ, Tyson Fury. So his options are open and vast. But, as for Israel Adesanya, the middleweight champ could be facing the winner of the upcoming bout between Robert Whittaker and Dricus du Plessis at UFC 290.
While Whittaker is definitely a big favorite, Izzy would certainly be hoping for du Plessis to win. With a rivalry brewing between them, fans would certainly be pumped to witness it.