Israel Adesanya Eyes ‘Money Fight’ With Jon Jones Once He Clears Out Middleweight

Jon Jones has been a dominant force inside the Ultimate Fighting Championship since he won the light heavyweight title from Mauricio "Shogun" Rua at UFC 128. The only way the belt has left Jones’ waist has been due to his own issues outside of competition and even then, he has quickly regained it. Fans can be critical of Jones when he wins a fight by decision and makes it go all five rounds but it's still hard to argue against how good he is at fighting. But is that getting boring?

Israel Adesanya seems to think so. While promoting his own headlining pay-per-view title bout against Yoel Romero at UFC 248, the middleweight champion was asked to respond about comments made by Jones and their rivalry that may turn into a super fight in the near future. Speaking with ESPN, Adesanya said that the real money fight for Jones is with him. "He says that I’m a boy right? He’s like the old man, an old washed-up man."

Adesanya compared his two years in the UFC against Jones’ 10-year reign. It should be noted that Jones entered the UFC in 2008, so while it may have taken him a little longer to get a title, he has been able to defend it and reclaim it. Adesanya will have a tough task ahead of him against Romero, and he believes if Jones takes Reyes lightly “he could get slept” this weekend.

A fight between Adesanya and Jones will occur down the line according to the middleweight champ. “[The fight will happen] regardless of weight, regardless of whether he has the title or not,” said Adesanya. "I want that fight because I want to challenge myself against one of the guys I consider to be the best fighters of this generation.” Adesanya also told Rich Eisen that Jones needs him because he has cleaned out the light heavyweight division. Adesanya plans to do the same at middleweight then move up in weight to face Jones.