Jon Jones’ recent move to heavyweight isn’t going to distract middleweight champion Israel Adesanya from his stated intention of one day setting foot in the cage with the longtime (and now former) light heavyweight champion. 

Adesanya defends his title in two weeks’ time against the undefeated Paulo Costa in a fight which should quieten (for now, at least) the two-year long war of words between the two rivals, but Adesanya has shown little fear of fighting a war on two fronts lately — having been particularly vocal in his jibes towards Jones.

‘The Last Stylebender’ had previously forecast a summer 2021 showdown with Jones in Las Vegas to top the annual ‘International Fight Week’ festivities but now with the two fighters two weight classes apart, questions have been raised as to whether or not it will be possible to pair the two.

“I still have that in mind, it’s still part of my plan,” Adesanya said. “But let me ask you this, how many years has Jon Jones been in the UFC? And he only just moved up in weight, right?

“So why would he or anyone else expect me to move up in weight, when I just got the belt, rather than defend my belt like he has and create a legacy before jumping up in weight. So I’m sticking to my plan. I’m never going to let anyone make me fold, or make me make a move ahead of schedule. I’m sticking to my plan.”