Since successfully defending his title against Paulo Costa at UFC 253, Israel Adesanya has been exchanging words with Jon Jones over Twitter; some of them hitting below the belt from both sides.
Fans have shown an interest in a matchup between both men and even UFC president Dana White looks to be on board with the potential super fight, but should it happen?
The fight makes sense due to the back and forth over Twitter but also pound for pound. Jones holds the No. 1 spot while Adesanya sits at No. 3, but there are other factors why the fight shouldn’t happen though.
Many people will debate what makes a superfight. I believe it’s a number of things rolled into one. the first being the example given above. Pound-for-Pound. Second, when a fighter cleans out their respective division. Jones has been unbeaten in over a decade, cleaning out the competition in his weight class. Adesanya, on the other hand, has defended the Middleweight title twice with a lot more competition waiting for their crack at it. Lastly, who is the G.O.A.T? The Greatest of all Time. Jones certainly makes a case for that title, and Isreal is on his way there, but I believe this fight should wait.
Also, some fights are just meant to take place in front of a crowd. This is one of those fights.
If the fight does happen.
Then it will happen soon. Adesanya looked fresh after his fight with Costa, and Jones last fought in February beating Dominick Reyes by decision. It will be an exciting fight and a great display of Mixed Martial Arts from both men. Given that Adesanya is predominantly a striker – and a spectacular one at that – I see Jones leaning on his wrestling in this matchup. The fight will most likely take place at 205lbs and regardless of the result Jones will probably remain there and try to take back his title from Jan Blachowicz. It will bring in a substantial amount of revenue for the UFC, but unfortunately, it won’t take place in front of a crowd.
If the fight doesn’t happen.
Jones goes to Heavyweight as he’s been mentioning a possible move for the past couple of years. Since Stipe Miocic is set to take on Francis Ngannou in a rematch, possibly in December, then Jones has two options. Wait to see who emerges as the victor and take on the winner or fight a top-five ranked opponent and see how he feels in the division. Curtis Blaydes will face off against Derrick Lewis in November, so that leaves Rozenstruik and Overeem. Jones vs Overeem would be an intriguing matchup and a good way of welcoming Jones to Heavyweight.
Adesanya has spoken about names. Taking names and becoming the G.O.A.T. Although Jones is a great name to have a win over on your record, there are plenty of names at Middleweight, and he can start with the winner of Whittaker and Cannonier. Isreal Adesanya has the potential to become the best Middleweight, but first, he needs to remain in the division and defend the title. Anderson Silva, whom Adesanya holds a win over, set an immense record of defences and if Adesanya can surpass that milestone he will become the greatest Middleweight ever.
Would you like to see this superfight happen or see both fighters stay on their intended path? Leave a comment.
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