Francis Ngannou and Jon Jones
Francis Ngannou came out in support of his African brother Israel Adesanya after Jon Jones criticized his performance
Loyalty runs deep for the 3 African lions of the UFC. Heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou, and welterweight champion Kamaru Usman were in attendance to provide encouragement to middleweight champion Israel Adesanya at UFC 276. While Israel Adesanya’s iconic entrance enthralled everyone, it was his rival Alex Pereira’s performance that impressed all and sundry.
Alex Pereira reminded the world that he remains the biggest threat to the reign of Israel Adesanya. Following the signing of Brazilian kickboxer Alex Pereira to the UFC, the narrative for a fight between him and middleweight champion Israel Adesanya seemed to be writing itself. The former number. 1 ranked kickboxer in the middleweight and light heavyweight division, Pereira’s style is the kryptonite to Adesanya’s unprecedented reign.
“Poatan” defeated Adesanya twice in kickboxing, winning a 2016 decision in China, and landed a left hook for a vicious, memorable knockout in their rematch, the following year in Brazil. Currently, with just one fight old in the UFC, Adesanya has dismissed talks of the fight in the near future, labelling it as ‘ a bit premature’. Adesanya even said in the past that his loss came because he got too comfortable in the boxing range, and he is a much more transformed fighter.
Alex faced his biggest test so far in MMA against Sean Strickland, and passed with flying colors. While Strickland decided to keep the fight in boxing range worried by Poatan’s kicks, the Brazilian landed a vicious left hook faking a level change. With this victory he is well in the conversation to fight Adesanya for the title.
Impressed by the victory, Jon Jones said that he’d pick the Brazilian to dethrone Israel Adesanya. He said, ‘Bro I just went back and watched Alex P fight!! Yeah I’m riding with him all day. He made it look way too easy. Really hard to believe he was unranked before this fight’
Ahead of UFC 276, Izzy had said that he’s channeling his dark side particularly for this fight. Although he kept the curtains draped on his entrance, he surprised everyone when he made one of the best octagon walkouts ever. Fans salivated and expressed their appreciation for Adesanya’s star power and showmanship.
Jones reacted to Izzy’s performance and chances against Alex Pereira by saying, ‘Bro I can’t stop thinking about this shit. How are you going to threaten a guy like Alex with glossy fingernails and a frozen reference. I’m over here scratching my head. ’
Francis Ngannou reminded Jon Jones that he hasn’t fought in more than two years, whereas Israel Adesanya has been consistent, defending his belt five times.
Jon Jones had previously welcomed a fight with both Francis Ngannou and Israel Adesanya. However it looks like Jones would be making his much awaited heavyweight debut against former champion Stipe Miocic.
Reacting to Jon Jones’ comments, Ngannou wrote, ‘Since Jones been siting back and talking sh*t Izzy have defended his title a least 5 times. Well done CHAMP 🏆 @stylebender
Some people talk and some act. 🇳🇬🇨🇲🌍
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