Jon Jones Proud Of Israel Adesanya’s UFC Hiatus: ‘Protect Your Mind, Body & Spirit’

UFC Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones thinks Israel Adesanya’s decision to take a long break from fighting will pay off with big dividends.

Adesanya recently alluded that he’ll take an indefinite hiatus from fighting to focus on his health and personal life after losing to Sean Strickland. In one of the biggest upsets in UFC history, Adesanya lost to Strickland by unanimous decision, in a shockingly lopsided affair in the Octagon.

Fans, pundits, and fellow fighters have opined on Adesanya’s performance, citing that the now-former champion didn’t look like himself. In response, Adesanya is taking time to focus on his life outside of fighting before potentially deciding on a comeback.

Jones and Adesanya had serious beef up until earlier this year, and Jones knows a thing or two about setbacks in his life and career. After a long break from 2020-2023, Jones thinks Adesanya is making the right chess move.

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Jon Jones Sides With Israel Adesanya On Planned UFC Break

In a recent tweet, Jones sent a supportive message to Adesanya after the former middleweight champ announced an extended break from fighting.

Hey @stylebender I just want to let you know I support your decision to take a break from fighting. Taking those last three years off was one of the best decisions I’ve made. Always put YOU first brother. Protect your heart, protect your mimd & spirit. Proud of you Champ.

— BONY (@JonnyBones) October 15, 2023

“Hey
[Israel Adesanya] I just want to let you know I support your decision to take a break from fighting,” Jones tweeted Saturday. “Taking those last three years off was one of the best decisions I’ve made. Always put YOU first brother. Protect your heart, protect your [mind] & spirit. Proud of you Champ.”

Jones returned to fighting at UFC 285; winning the then-vacant heavyweight belt over Ciryl Gane. He’ll face Stipe Miocic in his last potential fight at UFC 295 next month.

Before falling to Strickland, Adesanya reclaimed the middleweight belt by defeating Alex Pereira in their UFC 287 rematch. He’s kept up a blistering activity level since first becoming a UFC champion in 2019.

As Adesanya prepares for a long break from his career, Jones has his back, which is in stark contrast to where things stood between them up until just about a year ago.

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