Since becoming the UFC’s middleweight champion, Israel Adesanya has enjoyed something of a verbal sparring session with Jon Jones. In turn, speculation has emerged relating to a potential bout between the two high-level fighters.
On paper, a contest involving both competitors promises to set new pay-per-view records, surpassing that set by Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor at UFC 229. So, let’s take a look at whether a fight between Adesanya and Jones is something that the UFC should seriously be considering.
Jones’ Plan, Adesanya’s Legacy, and Attracting New Fans
In the near future, it appears unlikely that the Las Vegas-based promotion would strive to book the Last Stylebender and the former light heavyweight champion. Fundamentally, this is because of Jones’ short-term plans.
Back in August 2020, the consensus 205-pound king vacated his belt in targeting a move up to heavyweight, as per TheGuardian.com. As a result, several fighters have been open to welcoming Bones to his new weight class, including the reigning champion, Stipe Miocic, who has warned the newcomer of the division’s one-punch knockout power.
On the other hand, Adesanya’s upcoming plans don’t point to a burning desire to face Jones imminently. Following his second-round victory over Paulo Costa at UFC 253, the Nigerian-born fighter called out Jared Cannonier, should he defeat Robert Whittaker in their upcoming bout. Despite the hurdles, there are numerous benefits to booking the fight between two of the company’s most famous stars. Aside from the financial advantages, a superfight of that magnitude would undoubtedly grow the UFC’s viewership.