UFC Legend Claims Israel Adesanya has surpassed Jon Jones in greatness; aiming for ‘Conor McGregor’s spot’ next

UFC veteran Chael Sonnen compares Israel Adesanya and Jon Jones for the seat of the greatest fighter in the UFC. He said Israel Adesanya has long passed Jon Jones and is closer to McGregor in that debate.

UFC Legend Claims Israel Adesanya has surpassed Jon Jones in greatness; aiming for ‘Conor McGregor’s spot’ next

Chael Sonnen says Israel Adesanya has surpassed Jon Jones ( Image source: Getty Images )

Israel Adesanya and Jon Jones have recently been the talk of the town. Despite seemingly putting their feud to rest, Chael Sonnen firmly believes that intense competition persists between the two champions. Sonnen sees Adesanya clearly taking the lead.

The rivalry between Jon Jones and Izzy has been an intriguing spectacle. However, a head-to-head battle between them appears unlikely due to their weight differences. Both fighters vehemently claim the title of the best in the UFC, garnering significant support. Ultimately, their legacy will be determined by the court of public opinion and popular acclaim.

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Recently, Adesanya’s stellar performance at UFC 287 has catapulted him to the forefront of the sport. His commanding presence, captivating hype, and lucrative financial rewards have propelled him into the same league as Conor McGregor. “Izzy’s beating him. What Izzy did and the attention that Izzy can command,…he’s coming after McGregor’s spot, I’m telling you now,” he said. Sonnen argued that Izzy left Jon Jones in the shadows. He confidently asserted that when future generations recount the history of the UFC, it will be Israel Adesanya‘s name on everyone’s lips and not of Jones. “Ten years from now,…you’re not going to be saying Jon Jones. You’re going to be saying Adesanya”.

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Adesanya and Jones are both decorated champions in their respective weight divisions. Adesanya recently achieved the remarkable feat of being a two-time middleweight champion and has successfully defended his title five times during his reigns. Meanwhile, Jones secured the heavyweight belt by defeating Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 after a three-year layoff.

Related: “We need more of this!” Jon Jones reveals REAL reason behind squashing beef with Israel Adesanya despite ugly spats in past

Chael Sonnen cites criteria that Israel Adesanya excels in, but Jon Jones lacks

Israel Adesanya Dricus du Plessis
Israel Adesanya faces off against Dricus du Plessis at UFC 290 ( Image source: Getty Images )

Nevertheless, a striking disparity exists in their approach to the fight game. Adesanya fully embraces the theatrical nature of the sport, captivating fans with his riveting walkouts, post-fight antics, and overall charisma. His heated exchange with Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 290 became one of the most discussed storylines of the event.

In contrast, Jones has not fully embraced the fight business game in the same manner as Adesanya and McGregor. The latter two have astutely leveraged their star power to generate excitement for their biggest fights. Meanwhile, Jones appears to be more focused on the technical aspects of the sport, often leaving promotional duties to others.

According to Sonnen, this distinction sets Adesanya and McGregor apart as true needle-movers in the UFC. Their ability to create significant buzz and interest, even when not actively competing, has elevated their status to superstar status. Sonnen argued that Jones missed a golden opportunity to fight Francis Ngannou due to his lack of focus on the business side of the sport. In essence, Sonnen implied that the greatest in the UFC excelled in the octagon and the fight business realm. Adesanya’s remarkable prowess in both aspects has undoubtedly propelled him to the forefront of the UFC’s superstar roster.

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