Israel Adesanya Accuses Jon Jones Of Doing "What Floyd Mayweather Does"

Israel Adesanya has had a go at Jon Jones, claiming the UFC legend has copied Floyd Mayweather's tactics of only calling people out to 'remain relevant.'

UFC middleweight champion Adesanya and light heavyweight champion Jones have previously engaged in a back and forth war of words in interviews and on social media.

In recent times Jones has turned his attention to heavyweight Francis Ngannou and the pair have talked about wanting to face each other.

However Adesanya believes that Jones is only doing the call outs for clout and some media coverage. "It's what Mayweather does," the New Zealander told Submission Radio.

"Whenever McGregor gets in the headlines or whenever McGregor fights, what does Mayweather do? He throws his name out there, acts like he's gonna fight him, just because he wants his name in the headlines. You keep yourself relevant. I can play that game too. I can play that game anytime Jon Jones fights."

Adesanya and Jones have swapped barbs before. Image: PA Images

On the Jones vs Ngannou fight the Last Stylebender added, "[Jones has] been around the f**king game for 10 years he's never jumped up in weight. He's not doing it. Trust me. And a little birdie even told me, tweeted me, private messaged me and told me he's not gonna do it.

"Why don't you f**king do it now? Why don't you f**king go up to heavyweight? It's been f**king 10 years. Sign on the dotted line. Fight some f**king heavyweights. And I'm not saying that he can't do it. He can. But why hasn't he done it yet?"

According to both 'Bones' and 'The Predator' they want the fight but are unlikely to be able to come to terms with the UFC.

Fighting Ngannou isn't the first time that the light heavyweight champion has discussed moving up in weight. A third fight against Daniel Cormier, but this time at the heavier weight, has also been discussed in the past.

The 32-year-old's last fight was against Dominick Reyes in February, at UFC 247, as he defended his title for the third time, and 11th time in total, but in unconvincing and controversial fashion.

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Jones was given the decision unanimously in the fight, one judge scored it 49-46, but many believed Reyes had done enough to win.

Nigerian born Adesanya last defended his title in the very underwhelming main event of UFC 248 against Yoel Romero in March.

Jones' best two challenges do seem to be out of his weight right now but would you rather see Adesanya go up to fight him or he go up to fight Ngannou? Let us know in the comments.

Ryan Sidle

Ryan is a writer for SPORTbible. He covers all sport from football, formula one, cricket, rugby, tennis, athletics, mma and wrestling. He obviously hates YOUR football team and has no interest in synchronised swimming.

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