Jon Jones cemented his GOAT status by defeating Cyril Gane for the heavyweight title. It’s one thing to move up a weight class, but to win the title on the very first match? such feats almost seem like scripted movie clips. Even the former middleweight champion Israel Adesanaya could not help but admire Jones for his stupendous victory.
Jon previously had 15 title fight wins. However, clinching the title in the very first match in a different weight class is not an easy task, let alone moving up to heavyweight. “Bones” kept his word and came out victorious within two minutes of the first round by pulling off a mesmerizing guillotine choke on Gane.
And that is what left Adesanaya left bedazzled. The Kiwi was well aware of “Bones” being away from the octagon for about three years. Yet coming back and dominating the octagon like he never left? the former middleweight champ was impressed.
How did Israel Adesanya react to Jon Jones title win?
On his live stream on YouTube, Adesanaya reacted the way almost every other fan around the world did. Adesanaya picked up the subtleties of Jon’s intricate submission moves. He even explained how the UFC legend used his chest to his benefit. Adesanaya could not help himself from admiring Jones. He shouted out, “F**ck! That’s impressive.”
Adesanaya acknowledged that Jon Jones might have edged over Cyril Gane. But he admitted that he didn’t expect this match to be done in a jiffy. He confessed that he wanted more. At the same time, Adesanaya tipped his hat to Jon Jones for his absolute domination on his return.
Does Israel Adesanaya have a history with Jon Jones?
Adesanaya, however, has a bone of contention with Jon Jones. They have had verbal spats and disses thrown at each other through interviews. Although they have never exactly engaged in a face-to-face altercation, Jon Jones never backed Adesanaya’s combat prowess.
In the lead-up to UFC 281, Jon Jones backed Alex Pereira to cinch the championship belt around his waist, defeating his formal kickboxing rival Adesanaya. Before UFC 285, in an interview, Jones stuck to his pick when asked about the Adesanaya Vs Pereira rematch at UFC 287.
Adesanaya did not seem to have taken it to his heart as he understood that everyone is entitled to their own opinions. The Nigerian-born New Zealander rather went on to give credits where it was due. ‘The Last Stylebender’ put his bet on Jon Jones even before the fight, saying Cyril Gane had an insurmountable task on his hands.
UFC 287 is currently scheduled for April 9.
