Adesanya (photo via UFC / YouTube)

By FCF Staff

Israel Adesanya and Jon Jones have seemed to have formed quite the rivalry. So much so, “The Last Style Bender” wants to face “Bones”, even if he loses the light-heavyweight belt.

The stars have been feuding since Adesanya relayed he wanted to fight Jones at some juncture. UFC President Dana White has said the all-star match-up could happen, if both men continue to reign the middleweight and light-heavyweight divisions.

But, while speaking to MMA Junkie recently, Adesanya reported he wants to fight Jones, regardless of his championship status.

“It was something that wasn’t there till he uttered my name and I was like, ‘Hmm – I see what this is about,’” Adesanya said. “I see where destiny is placing certain characters in my movie. So yeah, that fight is really important. I don’t need it, to be honest. My coach doesn’t think I need it. My coach would rather I just avoid that fight, not because we don’t want to fight Jones, but he feels – he said it before he got arrested last time – he said I’d rather give it to a guy like Stipe (Miocic).”

“…It’s not really important for my legacy, but I want this fight and I’m going to get this fight – regardless of if he’s champion or not, by the way. Even if he loses that belt, I’m still coming for that ass.”

Adesanya (19-0) is expected to defend the middleweight belt against Paulo Costa next, after getting by Yoel Romero via decision in March.

Jones (26-1, 1 NC), who is coming off a controversial, decision win over Dominick Reyes in February, has hinted that he wants to face Jan Blachowicz.