Israel Adesanya thinks Jon Jones made the right call by retiring from MMA earlier this year.
The greatest fighter of all time was expected to square off against Tom Aspinall in a heavyweight unification bout.
Jon Jones reportedly shook hands on a $30 million deal to make what Dana White believed could’ve been the biggest fight in UFC history.
However, he later pulled out of the fight and announced his retirement in a social media statement.
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Israel Adesanya backs Jon Jones’ retirement
Just days later, Jon Jones completed a retirement U-turn after learning that the UFC are set to hold an event at the White House in July 2026.
Dana White says there’s only a ‘billion-to-one’ chance that the former heavyweight and light heavyweight titleholder will compete on that card after breaking his trust by backing out of their recent fight deal.
Still, Jones remains hopeful that he can repair his relationship with the UFC boss and fight Tom Aspinall at the White House next year.
Israel Adesanya believes Jones initially made the right call by rejecting $30 million and retiring from MMA to avoid suffering a legacy-destroying defeat.
“If I was in his position, I would’ve probably done the smart thing, which is after Stipe bounce,” he said. “If I prolonged it for maybe a few months, and I just know I’m not going to fight anymore, I’m not rolling the dice against a guy like that.
“You don’t wanna risk it because it’s a great legacy. God forbid, he beats you, you’ve gotta come back again and try to fight him again and beat him. It will extend your career for another two years because you are trying to get that back.”
Israel Adesanya expects to see Jon Jones fight again
Ultimately, Israel Adesanya doesn’t believe we’ve seen the last of Jon Jones inside the UFC Octagon.
“I think he’s gonna come back,” the former two-time UFC middleweight champion added.
“He’s gonna come back after he sees more of Tom fighting two other guys and probably get his stock up.
“He’ll do it. It’s Jon Jones. Me and Jon, we’re cool. I’ve been a fan.
“Tom is a different beast. Fighting Tom is a different beast, but I think he’ll do it, and the fight will be that much bigger.”