During the UFC’s International Fight Week in Las Vegas, an unexpected encounter between champions Israel Adesanya and Jon Jones led to a significant turning point for the middleweight champion.
Ahead of UFC 290, Adesanya shared videos of him and Jones spending time together, engaging in playful sparring after years of exchanging trash talk. Adesanya stated that any animosity from his side no longer exists and expressed his intention to train with the current heavyweight champion in the future.
“Yes, the issues have been resolved,” Adesanya revealed on his YouTube channel. “We have found common ground and understanding. We are just competitors, bro. Why should I harbor hatred towards my brother?”
“I delved into the comments on my YouTube channel, and the overwhelming response was positive. People were thrilled, smiling while watching us spar and have fun. It felt like a glimpse of what world peace could be like—no wars, no fights. That’s what it felt like,” he added.
Adesanya also confirmed their plans to train together, stating, “We will definitely train together. It’s currently being arranged, and it will happen.”
Meanwhile, Jones is scheduled to defend his newly won championship against Stipe Miocic in the main event of UFC 295 at Madison Square Garden in November. Adesanya, according to UFC President Dana White, was initially set to compete at UFC 293 in September, which marks the promotion’s return to Sydney, Australia, against an opponent yet to be determined. However, Dricus Du Plessis’s knockout victory over Robert Whittaker at UFC 290 has set up a future clash between them.
While the rivalry with Du Plessis remains heated, Adesanya revealed that his differences with Jones have been resolved after a lengthy conversation between the two titleholders. Adesanya was particularly struck by the timing of their encounter and the profound moment when they acknowledged each other.
“The details of our conversation are between him and me, it’s no one else’s business. But I can assure you it was a genuine encounter,” said Adesanya. “I believe it was meant to happen. There were numerous instances where things could have unfolded differently.”
Adesanya continued, recounting the events leading to their meeting, “I returned from the gym, exhausted, planning to stay in my room. But I decided to go downstairs and explore the casino, visit the restaurant where my friends were. I chose to enjoy my Uber Eats in the VIP lobby and then contemplated heading to the casino floor. I ended up going to the bar. As I stood there, I never made eye contact with anyone as is my usual practice. I noticed a black guy, a white guy, two women, and a couple on the other side, along with two bartenders.”
He described the surprising moment they connected, saying, “I was standing there, looking at my phone when I heard someone say, ‘No way.’ At first, I assumed it was just a fan or something, but when I turned around, it was like, ‘Oh, s***, what the f***?’ We instantly greeted each other. The energy between us was indescribable. If you were present, you would have witnessed history because the energy was tangible. We sat down and had a meaningful conversation. We talked about everything that needed to be discussed, and the rest is confidential.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Reconciliation
What led to Israel Adesanya and Jon Jones resolving their differences?
Israel Adesanya and Jon Jones had a chance meeting during the UFC’s International Fight Week in Las Vegas. They spent time together, sparred playfully, and engaged in a deep conversation, ultimately finding common ground and understanding.
Are Israel Adesanya and Jon Jones planning to train together?
Yes, Adesanya and Jones have expressed their intention to train together in the future. They are currently working on arranging joint training sessions.
What was the significance of their encounter?
Adesanya considered their meeting to be a powerful and potentially divine intervention. The timing and energy during their encounter were palpable, leaving a lasting impact on both fighters.
What are the upcoming fights for Adesanya and Jones?
Jones is scheduled to defend his championship against Stipe Miocic at UFC 295 in November. Adesanya’s next fight was initially planned for UFC 293 in September, but a future clash with Dricus Du Plessis has been set up following Du Plessis’s knockout victory over Robert Whittaker at UFC 290.
More about Reconciliation
- Israel Adesanya on YouTube (Israel Adesanya’s YouTube channel)
- UFC Official Website (Official website of the Ultimate Fighting Championship)
- Jon Jones Fighter Profile (Jon Jones’ official fighter profile on the UFC website)
1 comment
isreal adesanya & jon jones squashing beef??! WOW, thats amazin! their gonna train together, sooooo dope! #respect