Jon Jones Praises Israel Adesanya’s Decision to Take Extended Break from MMA

Jon Jones is fully aware of the benefits one can enjoy by taking an extended break from mixed martial arts.

Perhaps that’s why “Bones” offered praise for ex-UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya, who recently revealed that he’s "not going to fight for a long time” after losing his belt to Sean Strickland at UFC 293 this past September. It was Adesanya’s fourth bout in an approximately 14-month span.

“Hey [Stylebender], I just want to let you know I support your decision to take a break from fighting,” Jones wrote on Twitter. “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 mind [and] spirit. Proud of you champ.”

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.

— BONY (@JonnyBones) October 15, 2023

Jones returned from a three-year absence at UFC 285, where he submitted Ciryl Gane in the opening stanza to claim the vacant heavyweight crown. The 36-year-old will defend his title against Stipe Miocic at UFC 295 on Nov. 11.

Jones and Adesanya squabbled on social media in past years over a hypothetical bout, but the two UFC stars squashed their beef in a recent meeting during International Fight Week.

“Yeah, [the beef is squashed],” Adesanya said then. “We have understanding and common ground. We’re competitors. That’s it. It’s like, why should I hate my brother?”

Adesanya hasn’t given a timetable for his Octagon return, but it likely won’t be any time in the near future.