Israel Adesanya had been the UFC middleweight champion for almost three years and did great things in the division. He was the face of the UFC for a while. However, at UFC 293, something unexpected happened that changed the trajectory of the division. Sean Strickland fought Adesanya for the Middleweight title on short notice and won it from him in spectacular fashion.

Adesanya was initially supposed to be fighting Dricus Du Plessis. However, he suffered an injury during his fight against Robert Whittaker and had to forfeit the fight. Sean Strickland filled in and took the entire world by surprise. Now, weeks after Strickland became the UFC middleweight champion, former champ Adesanya has made an announcement that shocked the entire world. That being said, Jon Jones seemed to be appreciative and supportive of his decision.

Jon Jones backs Israel Adesanya’s surprise decision

Jones and Adesanya didn’t get along too well initially. The two had been calling each other out on social media for a very long time. Jones was not active in the UFC at that point and Adesanya was peaking. Now, it seems the two have a lot of mutual respect for each other. But what is this announcement that Adesnaya made that Jones is being understanding of?

In a recent interview with The Rock, Israel Adesanya said that he was planning on stepping away from the sport for a while. However, he cleared up that he wasn’t planning on retiring but wants to spend some time away from the sport to work on himself to be able to come back better than before.

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It would seem that after his surprising and devastating loss to Sean Strickland, Adesanya has decided to take some time off and work on himself. UFC Heavyweight champ Jon Jones took a stand for Adesanya and backed his ‘friend’.

“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.“, read the Tweet that Jones sent out in support of Adesanya. 

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Jones came back from his hiatus and won a championship in a new weight class. Therefore, it is no surprise that he supported Adesanya’s decision. Additionally, Adesanya’s decision found support from another UFC superstar who is no stranger to long hiatuses.

Israel Adesanya’s ‘smart move’ supported by Conor McGregor

Former UFC lightweight champ and fan favorite Conor McGregor has also shown his support for the decision that Adesanya has taken. The Irishman tweeted in support of Adesanya, offering him advice on how to beat Strickland when he returns.

He tweeted, “Big glove boxing sparring rounds in an enclosed ring and you are doing Sean in with a hand behind your back, lad. Rest up. And then come back and get that belt back.” But that was not all the Dubliner had to say.

He took a jibe at the UFC featherweight champ Alexander Volkanovski, who is due to fight Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title, in Abu Dhabi. Conor McGregor added a tail end to his tweet, that read “And volk couldn’t hold my spit bucket.”

Do you agree with what Jones and McGregor said about Adesanya taking time off? Will ‘Izzy’ make a successful comeback after a hiatus? Let us know in the comments.

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