2023 has proved to be a tremendous year for Jon Jones. He returned to recapture UFC gold and recently got nominated in two separate categories for the ESPY Awards. Michael Bisping, a UFC Hall of Famer and former champion, claims Israel Adesanya had a better year than the current heavyweight champion.

Jon Jones made a triumphant return to the Octagon. He dominated Ciryl Gane by submitting him within two minutes of the opening round at UFC 285. ‘Bones’ captured the heavyweight title in his first-ever fight in the division. This has seemingly landed him a nomination for the annual ESPY Awards in the ‘Best Comeback Athlete’ category, alongside Denver Nuggets point guard, Jamal Murray.

Michael Bisping picks Israel Adesanya over Jon Jones

‘The Count’ recently dropped yet another edition of his Believe You Me podcast discussing ‘Bones’s’ credibility as an ESPY nominee. First, it surprised Bisping to see Jon Jones get nominated for the award. He said, “It’s mind-blowing that Jon Jones is there as well [among the nominees] to be honest. You know what I mean?”

Furthermore, Michael Bisping mentioned that there is a lot of respect for what the heavyweight champion has done so far. For him, it wasn’t ideal to nominate Jones because he competed in only one fight since returning to the UFC. Bisping added, “Not that he doesn’t deserve recognition, accolades., he gets all of that, anyway. But to come back and have one win?” Comparing that to Israel Adesanya, ‘The Count’ believes the Nigerian-born Kiwi fighter is more deserving of the nomination. He added, “In that time frame for Israel Adesanya, how many wins and losses are we talking? Because I’d say Israel Adesanya.”

‘The Count’ praised ‘The Last Stylebender’ for his incredible story

Israel Adesanya has suffered two losses in the UFC so far. On the flip side, he has been one of the most successful fighters with seven title fight wins. However, that isn’t what Bisping claims make a fighter great. Adesanya’s redemption arc and his rivalry with Alex Pereira is what was the most interesting part of the UFC last year. Michael Bisping said, “You’re not only defined by your losses and victories but the story and what he did… I’d say Israel Adesanya.”

‘The Count’ commended ‘Izzy’ and praised him for getting back at his loss immediately and winning back the title. The UFC Hall of Famer claims that is what a real fighter does, and it makes him the most logical candidate for the nomination. “To get knocked out, but then to fight him [Alex Pereira] again straight away when he didn’t have to. That is the fighter of the year, in my opinion,” said Michael Bisping.

Read More: After UFC Legend Daniel Cormier Is Humiliated by $42,000,000,000 Airline, Israel Adesanya Chimes in With His Own Uncomfortable Experience

Jon Jones and Israel Adesanya’s careers are one of the best in the UFC. Both fighters have achieved things that most can only dream of. However, Bisping believes that ‘The Last Stylebender’ is the right nominee for this category of the ESPY Award. What are your thoughts about the ESPY nomination for the ‘Best Comeback Athlete’ category? Let us know in the comments below.

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