Anderson Silva Says Israel Adesanya Crossed The Line With Jon Jones

UFC Interim Middleweight Champion Israel Adesanya and UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones have been seen an intense rivalry grow between them.

Former UFC Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva believes that Adesanya has crossed the line with Jones in that rivalry.

“The way I see it, as an athlete, he disrespected Jon Jones,” Silva said at a UFC 237 media day (via Mike Bohn & Fernanda Prates of MMA Junkie). “I think for the business, for (UFC President) Dana (White), it’s great. It’s great business for the UFC. Regardless of whether they fight or not, the UFC wins – and the fans. But there is a lack of respect. I think he crossed the line a bit.”

Adesanya recently stated that he was going G.O.A.T. hunting and that G.O.A.T. is the UFC Light Heavyweight Champion.

The former middleweight champion also says that Adesanya needs to learn how to respect Jones, instead of hating the fighter.

“That’s my personal opinion because Israel is young and Jon Jones has a great story for a long time in this sport,” Silva said. “I think Adesanya needs to respect Jon Jones, but for the business, it’s good for Dana. I respect all fighters, especially Jon Jones. Jon Jones is my young brother and I don’t have a problem talking about Jon Jones. He’s the best fighter in the world.”

Silva and Adesanya have collided in the Octagon before, with Adesanya scoring a unanimous decision win in the main event of UFC 234.