Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya did not appreciate a fan`s attempt to provoke him into trolling Jon Jones.
Jon Jones`s recent retirement continues to be a major talking point in MMA. The now-former UFC heavyweight champion decided to step away from the sport a few weeks ago, following months of anticipation for a potential super fight against Tom Aspinall.
After Jones`s retirement, Aspinall was elevated to the status of the undisputed UFC heavyweight champion and is expected to defend his title later this year. Ciryl Gane and Alexander Volkov are among the names being considered as potential opponents for Aspinall.
Jones`s decision to retire led many fans to express frustration with how he concluded his career. UFC CEO Dana White also expressed confusion over Jones`s retirement, especially after assuring fans for months that the fight with Aspinall would happen.
Israel Adesanya reprimands fan for trying to make him say ‘F— Jon Jones’ for TikTok
While Jones has a dedicated fanbase, his actions outside the Octagon have also alienated many. Public sentiment towards Jones has shifted in recent years, particularly in light of several legal issues.
Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya and Jon Jones previously had a significant rivalry early in their careers, but they resolved their differences after meeting at UFC 290. Adesanya was one of several prominent UFC figures present at the promotion’s annual fan expo in Las Vegas during UFC 317 fight week.
During a meet-and-greet, as a fan approached Adesanya for a photo, he asked Adesanya to say ‘F— Jon Jones’. This request prompted a strong, negative reaction from the UFC star.
Watch the interaction below.
Israel Adesanya previously dismissed Jon Jones’s retirement as ‘rage baiting’
Adesanya isn`t convinced by Jones`s retirement, having recently predicted that the UFC legend will eventually return to the Octagon for another fight. Adesanya suggested that Jones`s recent social media activity was `rage baiting`.
Since retiring, Jones has been criticized by figures like Demetrious Johnson and other analysts in discussions about the UFC GOAT (Greatest Of All Time). Johnson argued that Jones`s history of using performance-enhancing drugs disqualifies him from being considered the greatest fighter in UFC history.
Jones`s last UFC fight was against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 in November. He defended the UFC heavyweight title once after claiming the then-vacant belt at UFC 285.
Benedict Kingsley