Israel Adesanya believes the UFC and Jon Jones will work out their differences for the historic super fight
Israel Adesanya is backing the UFC and Jon Jones to put their differences aside by making the historic super fight.
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He’ll make his return this Saturday, headlining against Joe Pyfer in his first appearance since a decisive defeat to Sean Strickland at UFC 293, where he lost his middleweight title.
‘The Last Stylebender’ has been on a tough run, having dropped three straight fights, including two back-to-back losses inside the distance.
And ahead of his return to action, Israel Adesanya has been provided with some surprise support from his former rival, Alex Pereira.
Pereira backing Adesanya to secure UFC title fight this year
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Since Adesanya’s revenge win over ‘Poatan’ back in 2023, their careers have gone in opposite trajectories.
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Alex Pereira has since become one of the most entertaining fighters in the sport, picking up the light heavyweight title before moving to heavyweight. He is set to face Ciryl Gane this June at UFC Paris.
There had been early discussions about Pereira stepping up to face Jon Jones in a massive heavyweight bout, but talks broke down and tensions between Jones and the UFC have lingered since.
Still, Adesanya thinks that rift will heal eventually and that Pereira will get his shot at Jones sooner rather than later.
Dana White not expecting Jon Jones to return
Adesanya might be optimistic about Jones and the UFC sorting things out, but there are no real signs that a deal is close.
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Jones has reportedly put his value at $30 million, while the UFC’s offer is believed to be around $15 million.
Speaking on The Flagrant Podcast, White said:
“No, I don’t think he will. I’m not (hopeful).”
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